MP Calls for Independent Review of £1 Billion Asylum Centre Plan in Bicester
What happened
A proposed asylum centre at MoD Bicester, a former military base, is under scrutiny due to its projected cost and suitability. The plan involves housing over 1,250 asylum seekers and could cost taxpayers over £1 billion over 10 years, with setup alone costing over £250 million. Calum Miller, MP for Bicester, stated that the site lacks basic facilities, including accommodation, power, and water, and contains asbestos and unexploded munitions.
From oxfordmail.co.uk
Why it matters
Miller argues the plan is flawed, noting it requires building new accommodation on MoD land. The Home Office has confirmed that no contracts have been issued regarding the centre, but the proposal faces calls for an independent review by NISTA.
Home Office seeks planning permission for asylum centre in Bicester, Linton-on-Ouse, and Barnham.
From oxfordmail.co.uk
Who's involved
- Calum MillerMP for Bicester, challenging the Home Office on asylum and accommodation policies.
- Home OfficeUK government ministerial department responsible for asylum and border policy.
- BicesterTown in Oxfordshire, the proposed location for the asylum centre.
Keep exploring
Part of
Home Office seeks planning permission for asylum centre in Bicester, Linton-on-Ouse, and Barnham.Also in this story
- The Home Office is considering a site in Norfolk/Suffolk for asylum seeker accommodation, which is also vital for police training.
- The Home Office announced asylum seeker housing plans in Oxfordshire, proposed expansion of sites in Essex, and sought planning approval for a migrant camp in Bicester.
- Judicial review is underway regarding planning and environmental compliance for a potential asylum centre site extension, with the council leader expressing disappointment over the 2030 site extension.
- The MoD plans to utilize the RAF facility at Linton for asylum seeker accommodation, following Ben Wallace's previous scrapping of housing plans there.
The entities involved
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Calum Miller
British politician
Nothing else this week.
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Home Office
United Kingdom government ministerial department
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Bicester
town and civil parish in Cherwell district, Oxfordshire, England
Related events
- The Home Office's asylum plan regarding Bicester has been confirmed, with the MP receiving the decision letter.
- The Home Office is considering the use of former military bases for asylum seeker accommodation, alongside media reports of government misrepresenting migrant intake numbers.
- Kemi Badenoch criticizes government asylum policy and proposes housing asylum seekers in Bicester.
- Lisa Nandy critiques the government's asylum seeker policy and the Home Office's management of claims and border control.
- Minister Anna Turley explained government policy targets on August 14, 2026.