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5d ago

UK Reopens Review of MoD Sites for Asylum Housing, Putting RAF Scampton Back on the Table

Ministers have deployed military planners to identify temporary sites in a drive to replace asylum hotels.

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Caption: RAF Scampton could be used to house asylum seekers moved out of hotels (Photo: Getty Images)

Overview

  • Defence minister Luke Pollard said all Ministry of Defence locations are being reassessed for temporary accommodation, including sites previously rejected such as RAF Scampton.
  • A military planning team has been embedded in Border Security Command and the Home Office to scope both military and non-military options for moving people out of hotels.
  • The RAF Scampton proposal was cancelled in September 2024 as poor value for money after about £50 million was spent on planning, yet officials have now put it under reconsideration.
  • West Lindsey District Council restated that Scampton is "wholly unsuitable," citing heritage, rural infrastructure and contamination concerns, and said it is pursuing a £300 million regeneration with Scampton Holdings.
  • Large-scale accommodation continues at Wethersfield and Napier Barracks, while scrutiny persists after the asbestos-contaminated HMP Northeye purchase and charities warn base housing can harm asylum seekers’ health.