The leader of a Reform UK-run council has fiercely criticised Labour government plans to accommodate migrants at a former military barracks in a small Suffolk village, pledging to oppose the scheme at every turn.
Council Leader's Strong Objection
Councillor Michael Hadwen, leader of Suffolk County Council, stated he will “fight this proposal every step of the way” after the Home Office announced plans to house 1,250 male asylum seekers at the former RAF Barnham site. The site is located near the village of Barnham, which has a single rural primary school.
In a post on X, Hadwen wrote: “1250 illegal migrants. One small Suffolk village. One rural primary school. The Government plans to turn RAF Barnham into a permanent migrant accommodation site, with residents free to come and go.” He added that the council and local communities received “no prior warning or consultation” about the plans, only learning of them shortly before the media.
Home Office Plans and Community Reaction
The Home Office announced on Thursday that it is seeking planning permission to use the former RAF base as part of efforts to close down asylum hotels. The site will be open for residents to come and go freely, according to Hadwen, who described the proposal as “entirely unacceptable”.
In a statement, Hadwen said: “I categorically object to the use of RAF Barnham to house illegal migrants. Following my urgent briefing with the Home Office, nothing they said lessened my enormous concerns about the impact of 1250 men moving into such a small village with a small rural primary school.” He demanded that the government abandon the idea altogether.
Local Voices and Wider Context
Despite the council leader's opposition, some local residents expressed support for the plans. One Barnham resident told the Eastern Daily Press: “I have no objection to it. Anyone who comes here seeking support, it should be the British way to help them. No concern whatsoever. I feel sorry for the refugees because it's a bit out the way and the gates are right on a busy road.”
Labour MP Terry Jermy, whose South West Norfolk constituency borders the site, said he was “very concerned” by the proposals. The Home Office is also seeking planning permission for similar sites at former MoD bases in Bicester, Oxfordshire, and Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire, which together with RAF Barnham are expected to accommodate 3,750 migrants. Residents in Linton-on-Ouse have already vowed to fight the plans.
Government Policy on Asylum Hotels
The government is also looking to extend the use of existing disused MoD sites in Crowborough, East Sussex, until 2030 and Wethersfield, Essex, beyond 2027. Labour has pledged to stop using asylum hotels by the next election. According to Home Office figures published last month, the number of asylum seekers being housed temporarily in UK hotels has fallen to its lowest level since data was first reported in 2022.
