The Home Office is preparing to return hundreds of asylum seekers to the controversial Napier Barracks in Kent, despite previous condemnation from courts and health authorities over dangerous living conditions.
According to internal documents seen by The Mirror, officials are making arrangements to accommodate approximately 200 people at the Folkestone military facility starting next month. This comes despite a High Court ruling that previously declared the barracks provided "accommodation that was inadequate" and posed serious health risks.
History of Controversy
Napier Barracks gained notoriety during the COVID-19 pandemic when the cramped dormitory-style accommodation became the site of major coronavirus outbreaks. The crowded conditions and shared facilities were described by public health officials as unfit for purpose during a health crisis.
In 2021, a landmark High Court judgment found that the barracks failed to meet minimum standards for asylum accommodation, noting that residents were "forced to live in conditions that were impoverished, cramped and inadequate."
Current Plans and Opposition
The government's decision to reactivate the facility has drawn immediate criticism from refugee charities and human rights organisations. The plans involve housing approximately 200 asylum seekers in the same dormitory blocks that were previously condemned.
Critics argue that the barracks-style accommodation, with its shared bedrooms and limited privacy, fails to meet basic dignity standards for people who have often experienced trauma and persecution.
Government Position
The Home Office maintains that Napier Barracks provides "safe and secure accommodation" and has stated that improvements have been made to the facility. Officials argue that such accommodation represents good value for taxpayers' money compared to hotel placements.
However, refugee support groups counter that the government is prioritising cost savings over human welfare, noting that the barracks are located in isolated areas with limited access to legal support and community services.
The move comes amid ongoing political pressure to reduce the number of asylum seekers in hotel accommodation, which has become a contentious issue in the government's immigration strategy.
