The UK's escalating migrant crisis has forced the government to resort to housing hundreds of asylum seekers in large, white marquees on a disused RAF base, the Daily Mail can reveal.
Exclusive photographs show the stark, tented accommodation that has been rapidly erected at the former RAF Wethersfield site in Essex. The move is a direct response to what Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick describes as 'enormous pressure' on the asylum system, driven by a relentless wave of small boat crossings across the English Channel.
Containment Site Sparks Local Fury
The decision to use the remote Essex airbase has ignited fierce opposition from local residents and the area's Conservative MP, James Cleverly. Critics have labelled the site 'unsuitable', citing its isolated location, limited transport links, and potential impact on local services.
Despite these concerns, the Home Office is pressing ahead, with the first migrants already moved onto the site. The makeshift camp is designed to hold up to 1,700 men at full capacity, forming a key part of the government's strategy to deter Channel crossings by reducing reliance on expensive hotel accommodations.
A System Under 'Enormous Pressure'
Minister Jenrick conceded that the asylum system is struggling to cope. "We are seeing enormous pressure on the asylum estate, so we do need to bring on extra accommodation," he stated.
This pressure is quantified by the latest figures, which show a record number of small boat arrivals this year. The government's controversial Rwanda deportation plan, intended to act as a deterrent, remains stalled in legal battles, leaving ministers with limited options.
The use of Wethersfield and other former military sites like the Bibby Stockholm barge is a central pillar of the government's current approach. Officials argue this is a more cost-effective solution for taxpayers than housing migrants in hotels, which currently costs an estimated £6 million per day.
Conditions and Controversy
The images from Wethersfield reveal a sparse and functional setup. The marquees are filled with rows of simple camp beds, with personal belongings stored in bags underneath. The site will provide full board and legal and medical support on site, aiming to be self-contained.
However, the prospect of housing hundreds of people in such conditions for potentially prolonged periods has drawn criticism from refugee charities, who argue it is inadequate and inhumane. The government maintains that the accommodation, while basic, meets all necessary legal requirements.
As the debate rages on, the tents at Wethersfield stand as a stark, physical symbol of a deeply complex and politically charged national challenge that shows no sign of abating.
