An anonymous asylum seeker, seeking refuge from his troubled homeland in Africa, has raised alarm over the conditions at the ex-RAF Wethersfield base, likening it to a prison. The man, who risked his life to escape and find safety in the UK, expressed disappointment in the facilities provided by the Home Office, as reported by ITV News.
“I came here for safety and freedom, but it’s like a prison. The place is not good for us,” he stated, emphasizing his desire for a life free from danger. Housed at Wethersfield in Essex after arriving in the UK by boat earlier in 2023, the asylum seeker, whose identity remains concealed for safety reasons, shared his concerns with ITV News.
In an interview with ITV News Anglia, the asylum seeker decried the quality of food at the base, claiming it was so poor that it made him sick. He and others reportedly refrain from eating dinner altogether due to the subpar conditions. Furthermore, he highlighted difficulties in accessing medical help late at night and criticized the overall cleanliness of the site.
These concerning grievances come in the wake of a hunger strike staged in September 2023 by residents of the Wethersfield base, protesting against the living conditions. Protests outside the facility also erupted, shedding light on reported shortages of medicine, blankets, and clothing.
The decision to repurpose the ex-RAF base for housing asylum seekers has faced criticism, particularly from the now-Home Secretary and local MP, James Cleverly. Cleverly had previously expressed concerns about the site’s remoteness, indicating potential challenges in providing adequate support to residents.
The government defended its decision, citing the necessity of large sites like Wethersfield in reducing the cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels. A Home Office spokesman refuted the allegations made by the asylum seeker, stating, “We do not recognize the allegations being made.”
The spokesperson emphasized the presence of onsite primary health care, regular transport offsite, and food that purportedly meets NHS Eatwell standards, accommodating diverse cultural and dietary requirements.
The situation at Wethersfield underscores the delicate balance between fulfilling legal obligations to provide accommodation for asylum seekers and ensuring the humane treatment and well-being of those seeking refuge. As concerns persist, the need for a thorough examination of the conditions and a transparent dialogue between authorities and asylum seekers becomes increasingly evident.
He should be asked what his living conditions were like in France. He should be grateful that he has a bed,roof over his head and fed, nobody asked him to come here. If he doesn’t like it then he and any others who think the same know what to do.