Overview
- Defence minister Luke Pollard told MPs the MoD is examining sites across the estate and declined to exclude Fort Blockhouse in Gosport.
- The review aligns with Sir Keir Starmer’s push to find temporary alternatives to hotels as small‑boat arrivals this year exceed 30,000.
- Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage called potential use of the site a “terrible outcome” and said she was not reassured by the minister’s answer.
- Fort Blockhouse was put up for sale in 2016, remains unsold, and formally ceased active military use in 2021.
- Past approaches, including the Bibby Stockholm barge and the use of Napier Barracks and RAF Wethersfield, faced sustained criticism that is shaping current opposition.