Protesters are expected to gather outside a former RAF base in Suffolk on Sunday, following anti-immigration disorder in nearby Thetford earlier this week. The Home Office announced in June that it was considering using Barnham Camp to accommodate asylum seekers, and there have since been regular peaceful protests at the site.
Tensions in Thetford
This week, tensions flared in Thetford, Norfolk, when people attempted to storm homes linked to asylum seekers and police officers were assaulted during three nights of unrest. Norfolk Police said officers were “subjected to significant aggression” in the market town on Wednesday, with one hit with a rock, one bitten, and another spat at.
The force confirmed on Saturday that Friday night in Thetford had been “largely peaceful”, although three people were arrested and a window was smashed. Some of those who protested in the town this week included participants in the regular protests outside the former military site, the Guardian reported.
Site assessment
The Home Office said the site is being assessed, but plans would be subject to planning permission and approvals. The camp would accommodate men aged between 18 and 65 who have applied for asylum. No asylum seekers are yet housed at the site, which Suffolk Constabulary said is a training site for the Norfolk and Suffolk forces.
A Suffolk Constabulary spokesperson said: “Some vehicles that may have been seen on site such as buses are used for training purposes. Any persons seen on the site will include police, MoD employees, or security personnel.”
Police response
The force said it was aware of a planned protest on Sunday and officers would be at the scene. “Our role is to support the lawful right to protest while helping to ensure the safety of everyone involved and the wider public,” a spokesperson said. “Policing protests requires us to balance the right of individuals to peacefully express their views with our responsibility to protect local communities, including protesters, residents and road users.
“Our policing response will continue to be kept under review, informed by the latest available information and ongoing assessments of any potential risks to public safety. Previous protests at MoD Barnham have been peaceful, and we would like to thank all those involved for expressing their views in a lawful and respectful manner. We are confident that this positive approach will continue.”
