Dozens of protesters gathered outside a former RAF base in Suffolk on Sunday, as police in nearby Thetford retained increased powers following anti-immigration disorder earlier in the week. The protest at RAF Barnham, which the Home Office is considering using to house asylum seekers, was the latest in a series of peaceful demonstrations at the site.
Background of protests
The Home Office announced in June that it was considering using Barnham Camp to accommodate people seeking asylum, prompting regular peaceful protests since then. On Saturday, Norfolk Police arrested two people at the former RAF base in connection with the disorder in Thetford, and Caspar Randles-Mills, 31, of Great Barton, Suffolk, was charged with a public order offence.
On Sunday, campaigners gathered once again outside the gates of the camp, flying Union and St George's flags. Some held placards reading "Barnham says no. Protect our community", and Reform UK Norfolk county councillor Scott Hussey gave a speech.
Unrest in Thetford
Tensions flared in Thetford earlier this week 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 by a rock, one bitten, and another spat at.
The force said Saturday night had been "largely peaceful", with no serious disorder reported for a second night running. Increased policing powers will remain in place in Thetford until 4pm on Tuesday, including the power to direct anyone committing, or who may commit, anti-social behaviour to leave the area.
Police response
Police were at the scene of Sunday's protest, with officers saying they attended to "support the lawful right to protest while helping to ensure the safety of everyone involved and the wider public". A Suffolk Constabulary 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."
The spokesperson added: "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 Ministry of Defence (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."
Site status
The Home Office said the site was 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.
Police said some vehicles, such as buses seen on site, were used for training purposes, and people on site include police, MoD employees, and security staff.
