The Prime Minister has confirmed that asylum seekers will be housed in an RAF base in his own constituency of Catterick Garrison, Richmond in North Yorkshire, according to Rishi Sunak in an interview with ITV News.
The prime minister stated that he is not involved in the decision regarding the first group of asylum seekers’ relocation and is unable to provide a timeline. He further emphasized that taxpayers are currently spending £5 to £6 million each day to accommodate illegal immigrants in hotels. As a result, the government is looking for alternative large sites, including some in his constituency, to bring down the costs.
It comes as the first group of asylum seekers are expected to move into RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire in the coming weeks
The plans in Scampton have been met with strong opposition from local people, with one protester pitching a tent outside the camp in a round-the-clock protest.
But, the prime minister responded: “I understand the strength of feeling on this and I want to reassure poeple that the Home Office is working closely with the council and local stakeholders.”
Currently, migrants are being held in hotels in Skegness, but the plan is to move people who are being housed in the south of England into RAF Scampton.
When asked why RAF Scampton would not be used to relieve pressure in Skegness, the prime minister said: “Across the country we have this challenge. We’re trying to relieve the pressure everywhere.”
He added that he believes residents in Scampton “want the same thing the government wants”.
