Statement from Thames Valley PCC, Matthew Barber, alongside a letter to the Home Secretary following an announcement from the Home Office on 25 June that planning permission is being sought at MOD Bicester for accommodation for asylum seekers

Matthew Barber said: “Even the Speaker of the House of Commons has condemned the way that the Government is attempting to sneak out their announcements about new asylum camps. This afternoon in Parliament the news was described as “totally unacceptable”.


“Many will welcome the closure of asylum hotels, including the Oxford Witney Hotel and the Mercure George Hotel in Reading, but there will be significant concern about the community impact of MOD Bicester being used as an open camp for asylum seekers.


“As Police & Crime Commissioner I have had no direct communication from the Home Office of the plans published late this evening. MOD Bicester is one of three sites identified that will eventually house around 3,750 asylum seekers.


“At a time when we have seen reductions in our expected funding and underfunding of new officers I am deeply concerned about the additional burden that the new asylum camp will place on local policing.


“I have already written to the Home Secretary requesting a meeting with officials to discuss additional resources needed as a result of the Government’s proposals. I have highlighted significant concerns about the implications of policing potential protests at the site, and the need for additional police resources to manage demand both inside and outside of the camp.”