I was extremely disappointed to be informed by Home Office officials today that 60 asylum seekers will be arriving in Linton-on-Ouse on or before the 31st May, with more arriving after 8 weeks.
Not only is this site (at the centre of a small, rural village of 600 people without streetlights and amenities other than a village shop) totally unsuitable to accommodate 1500 unsupervised, non-detained, young, male asylum seekers, the Home Office has failed at every turn to actively respond to and mitigate the very reasonable concerns that have been raised.
We were told that at least suitable provisions would be made prior to the site being occupied, including a gym, cinema, library, activities and policing plan. We have also requested CCTV within the village and access modifications. None of these measures will be in place by May 31st.
I am still waiting on responses to valid residents' concerns sent to Home Office officials on 21st April. It is simply unacceptable that this has been pushed through under the guise of this being an emergency, with the pandemic even cited as justification. The local council representatives and Police and Crime Commissioner concur and today reiterated their strong concerns about the resources of local police and fire services and the valid concerns regarding safety.
I am working with the local authority to take forward a legal challenge to this decision. We are still awaiting legal advice. I have also today once again contacted relevant cabinet ministers to express my deep disappointment and concerns.
I intend to raise this matter in Parliament tomorrow by any means possible.
