Plans to house potentially over 1,000 asylum seekers at Bicester military base announced

The Home Office has announced plans to use three more military sites to accommodate thousands of asylum seekers, including the former MOD Bicester site.

The announcement, made on Thursday (June 25), forms part of the Government's plans to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers, which it says are expensive and have become a focus for protests.

MOD Bicester, alongside military sites in Suffolk and North Yorkshire, could accommodate around 3,700 people, with an average of 1,200 at each location.

Cherwell District Council says it was not consulted before the announcement and only became aware of the plans after they were made public.

The authority understands the Home Office hopes to open accommodation at the redundant MOD site at Site A of Bicester Garrison, between Piddington and Upper Arncott, by the end of the year.

Cllr Lesley McLean, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “This is another arbitrary decision from the Home Office, taken without any consultation with the council, residents or locally elected members. It is astounding that proposals of this scale are being brought forward without communication with the local authority or affected communities.

“I have serious concerns about whether the necessary support, infrastructure and safeguards will be in place before the proposed opening later this year. I will be writing to the minister to seek clarity and assurances that the Government will provide the resources needed to minimise the impact on local communities and services.

“The council will also be asking the Home Office, Oxfordshire County Council and Thames Valley Police to work with us to ensure suitable arrangements are in place for both those staying at the site and the surrounding community.”

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber has also criticised the lack of communication, saying he was not informed of the plans before they were announced.

He said: “Many will welcome the closure of asylum hotels, including the Oxford Witney Hotel and the Mercure George Hotel in Reading, but there will be significant concern about the community impact of MOD Bicester being used as an open camp for asylum seekers.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I have had no direct communication from the Home Office about the plans. At a time when we have seen reductions in our expected funding and the underfunding of new officers, I am deeply concerned about the additional burden the new asylum camp will place on local policing.”

Mr Barber said he has written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood requesting a meeting to discuss the proposals and the additional resources needed to police the site if the Home office plans go ahead.

He added: “I have highlighted significant concerns about the implications of policing potential protests at the site, and the need for additional police resources to manage demand both inside and outside the camp.”

Bicester and Woodstock MP Calum Miller has been contacted for comment.