Opposition Mounts Against Home Office Plans for RAF Scampton Asylum Centre
Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh is one of the few Conservative MPs who has a backbone and going up against the Government over their plans to turn RAF Scampton into an Asylum Centre
Lincolnshire has been hit hard by the Government and Home Office housing Asylum Seekers in the area. Skegness has suffered with the closure of hotels to house Asylum Seekers which has affected business owners and tourism.
Now, while other Conservative MPs have ignored the problem, one MP has got a backbone and is trying to stop RAF Scampton being turned into an Asylum Centre.
Sir Edward Leigh spoke out after a High Court hearing over plans to house up to 2,000 migrants at RAF Scampton.
“We should be considering this on its merits, and there are no merits in the proposal,” the MP for Gainsborough told the BBC.
“We should not be arguing about arcane legal points.”
The Home Office’s plans to convert the former RAF base at Scampton in Lincoln into an asylum centre have faced strong opposition from local residents and political figures.
Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh has vowed to stand with the community in opposing the proposal, arguing that there are no merits to the plan and that it should be evaluated on its own merits rather than getting caught up in legal technicalities.
The government has defended its use of emergency planning laws to build accommodation for asylum seekers at RAF Scampton and RAF Wethersfield.
Home Office officials claim that the conversion work falls within the purview of Class Q powers. However, Sir Edward Leigh has consistently argued that there is no emergency warranting such action, as the issue has been ongoing for years.
Campaigners have organized lawful protests against the plans for the ex-RAF station, highlighting the need for consent from the local community.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has also expressed his concerns, stating that using the site as an asylum centre without community consent would be disrespectful.
Sir Edward Leigh, as the local Member of Parliament, has taken it upon himself to represent his constituents and hold the government accountable for their actions.
While the High Court hearing provided an opportunity to challenge the government’s plans, Sir Edward acknowledges the difficulty in winning such cases.
Emergency legislation and Special Development Orders (SDOs) can be employed by the government to circumvent the planning process and ensure their desired outcomes. This raises concerns about the government’s determination to override local democratic control and the long-term impact on the community.
The Home Office spokesperson has stated that using surplus military sites for accommodation offers a more orderly and suitable solution for asylum seekers arriving in small boats, while reducing reliance on hotels.
The government has said it understands the concerns of local communities and has committed to working with councils and local services to manage the impact of using these sites on a temporary basis.
However, Sir Edward Leigh maintains that the government’s intentions are suspect and that once asylum seekers arrive, they may never leave.
The controversy surrounding the asylum centre plans has raised concerns about the future of Scampton.
In March, West Lindsey District Council entered into a £300 million deal with Scampton Holdings Limited to revive the site as a business, aerospace, and heritage centre.
Sir Edward Leigh worries that if the asylum centre plans proceed, the site’s development may be compromised, potentially leading to a deterioration of the area and Scampton Holdings giving up on their plans.
Despite the challenges, Sir Edward Leigh remains determined to fight for his constituents’ interests and intends to meet with Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick to discuss the matter further.
He hopes that even if the court case is lost, a compromise can be reached that takes into account the concerns of the local community.
Sir Edward said: “I’ve constantly argued there is no emergency – this has been going on for years.
“Class Q is supposed to be for a national emergency,” he said.
Sir Edward said: “I’m the local Member of Parliament and it’s not for me to be a creature of the government when my constituents are being treated in this way.
“My job is to stand up for my constituents, and if that means standing up against a Conservative government then I shall do it, and I shall call them to account without fear or favour.”
Talking about the outcome of the High Court hearing, Sir Edward added: “It’s very difficult to beat any government in this sort of case because, ultimately, they can use emergency legislation to get their way.
“For instance, if they lose this case, they can use a Special Development Order (SDO) by which they simply overcome the entire planning process.”
Asked about the plan to use an SDO, a Home Office spokesperson said: “Delivering accommodation on surplus military sites provides more orderly, suitable accommodation for those arriving in small boats while reducing the use of hotels.
“We understand the concerns of local communities and are liaising with councils and local services to manage the impact of using these sites on a temporary basis.”
In March, West Lindsey District Council agreed a £300m deal with Scampton Holdings Limited to revive the site as a business, aerospace and heritage centre.
This would have helped to bring in jobs as well as boost tourism for Lincolnshire. However, locals believe once the Asylum Seekers arrive, they will never leave. Sir Edward also shares that belief.
The Conservative MP said he was concerned the “site might start deteriorating” if the asylum centre plans went ahead and Scampton Holdings “might give up”.
Sir Edward said: “They have a determination to override local democratic control, local people, local council, and they will use any means they can to get asylum seekers in here.
“There is a real suspicion that once these asylum seekers arrive, they won’t leave.”
Sir Edward said he intended to meet with the Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick to discuss the matter.
“If we lose this case, I still hope they give us some kind of compromise,” he added.