UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has stated his intention to use a military base in his North Yorkshire area to house Afghan refugees.
Following earlier reports, Sunak stated on Friday that the Home Office had assessed Catterick Garrison in Richmond unsuitable for a big asylum center.
However, in accordance with the UK’s pledges following its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the site might be repurposed to shelter Afghan refugees.
This development is part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce asylum housing costs by utilizing military sites, such as RAF Wethersfield in Essex and RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, along with the Bibby Stockholm barge.
During a visit to the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance headquarters, Sunak refuted claims of preferential treatment for his constituency. He emphasized that the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office conduct independent site inspections.
Sunak also highlighted his dedication to stopping illegal boat crossings as a means to alleviate pressure on hotels and local communities.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges faced, including issues at RAF Wethersfield and RAF Scampton, which have led the government to reconsider using disused military sites for asylum seekers.
Recent incidents, such as the death of an Albanian asylum seeker on the Bibby Stockholm and the discovery of hazardous bacteria, have raised concerns about these temporary accommodations.
Despite concerns from district councils, the High Court recently ruled that the designs for RAF Wethersfield and RAF Scampton were legal. West Lindsey District Council, on the other hand, intends to challenge the RAF Scampton verdict.
Sunak avoided any remarks on the future of these locations, citing ongoing legal actions, but emphasized that site assessments are carried out professionally and with minimal impact on the surrounding community.
He also mentioned the stalled £290 million Rwanda project as a way to discourage migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats. Sunak remains devoted to establishing Rwanda as
