Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Asylum Seeker Accommodation: RAF Manston

15 December 2021 · 13 other contributors

Opened by Tom Pursglove Con Corby

ImmigrationAsylum & RefugeesMigrants & Borders

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Tom Pursglove raised concerns about asylum seeker accommodation: raf manston in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The House is informed about the significant rise in small boat crossings to the UK.
  • A new triage facility at RAF Manston, Kent, will operate alongside Dover's reception arrangements.
  • The facility aims to make asylum processing more efficient by handling large numbers simultaneously.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Tom Pursglove

The House is informed about the significant rise in small boat crossings to the UK, prompting a new triage facility at Manston, Kent. This facility will operate alongside Dover's reception arrangements and provide basic welfare provisions for migrants while conducting necessary checks. The site aims to make asylum processing more efficient by handling large numbers simultaneously and reducing pressure on the overall system. In January 2023, detailed security and initial asylum screening will commence at Manston, with migrants required to remain onsite for up to five days before dispersal into further accommodation. The Government remains committed to ending dangerous small boat crossings through reforms to the immigration system that reduce pull factors and protect against human smuggling.

Other contributors (13)
  • Roger Gale Con Herne Bay and Sandwich

    Question

    Mr Gale raises concerns about the unsuitability of the Manston site for its proposed purpose. He points out that no consultation was held with local councils, the police, or health officials before the decision to establish the triage facility was made. Mr Gale requests that the project be paused and viable alternatives explored.

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledges the concerns but emphasises the need for a rapid response to the current situation. He commits to engaging in thorough consultations and ensuring that all necessary provisions are in place to accommodate migrants adequately and securely.

  • Roger Gale Con Herne Bay and Sandwich

    Question

    The former RAF barracks at Manston, intended for housing after the Air Training Unit's departure, is now proposed as an Immigration Centre without proper consultation with local authorities or health officials. This decision lacks foresight and could lead to poor conditions for migrants in winter. Proper consultations should have been conducted weeks ago.

    Minister reply

    Tom Pursglove acknowledged the urgency of addressing high numbers of crossings but emphasised ongoing consultations, including with local leaders. The Manston site will be used as an overspill facility from Tug Haven and will process men, women, and children for up to five days. It is not a permanent arrangement, but one that will be reviewed regularly while efforts continue to end the Channel crossings.

  • Holly Lynch Lab Batley and Spen

    Question

    The shadow Minister raised several points including the adequacy of facilities at RAF Manston, the impact on asylum seekers due to inadmissibility rules, and the Afghan Resettlement Scheme. She also asked about future consultations with local authorities before any new facility is set up.

    Minister reply

    Minister responded by reiterating the Home Office's commitment to safety and efficiency at RAF Manston barracks, emphasising the necessity of having appropriate facilities for arrivals amidst ongoing negotiations on inadmissibility. He also noted improvements made at Napier based on inspectorate recommendations.

  • John Redwood Con Wokingham

    Question

    Asked about the number of contracted hotels, budget details, and a promise to consult MPs before new facilities are set up.

    Minister reply

    The Minister confirmed that budgets are agreed with the Treasury as standard practice. He also emphasised local authorities' role in assisting and promised consultation with MPs on any future procurements.

  • Chris Stephens SNP Glasgow South

    Question

    Asked about ignoring warnings from parliamentary colleagues, asbestos concerns at Manston site, lack of proper planning processes, and use of term 'illegal migrant'.

    Minister reply

    Minister reiterated the Home Office's responsiveness to inspectorate recommendations and ongoing assessments for safety. He also emphasised the need for accommodation amidst high arrivals pressure.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Question

    Asked about use of Manston site for new arrivals, duration of stay, and type of accommodation during winter.

    Minister reply

    Minister clarified that the intention is for RAF Manston to be an overspill site from Tug Haven with work ongoing on suitable areas for accommodation based on safety assessments.

  • Jeremy Corbyn Ind Islington North

    Question

    The people who are going to be taken into the facility will suffer from trauma. The MP questions whether this is a repeat of the Home Office's past mistakes at Napier barracks and asks if the Minister can assure that better accommodation will be found.

    Minister reply

    This is an overspill site for Tug Haven. People would enter the dispersal and initial accommodation phase after spending time there in the processing phase, ensuring appropriate accommodation thereafter.

  • Scott Benton

    Question

    Hundreds of asylum seekers are being housed in central Blackpool in inappropriate locations. The MP asks if the Minister agrees that offshore processing centres cannot come soon enough.

    Minister reply

    The Nationality and Borders Bill reserves the right to enter into an offshore processing arrangement, and the Minister wants to operationalise it as quickly as possible.

  • Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West

    Question

    The MP questions if pressure on accommodation could be relieved if claims were processed more quickly.

    Minister reply

    The Minister suggests that assistance from Edinburgh could aid the dispersal process and reiterates the objective to increase and improve case processing.

  • Jonathan Gullis

    Question

    Stoke-on-Trent is a significant contributor to the asylum dispersal scheme. The MP questions if more local authorities should step up their efforts.

    Minister reply

    The Minister appreciates Stoke's work and suggests that other local authorities could learn from its efforts.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    The MP asks what measures are in place to deliver education and training for refugees at Manston and across the UK.

    Minister reply

    Education and training facilities will be considered during dispersal and initial accommodation phases.

  • Tom Hunt

    Question

    The MP shows sympathy with the need to act quickly but questions if offshore processing is being taken seriously. He also suggests that individuals should apply for asylum in safe European countries.

    Minister reply

    No one has any cause to get into a small boat to find safety; proper accommodation, support and services are provided through legal routes.

Shadow Comment

Roger Gale

Mr Gale criticises the lack of consultation with local authorities and communities about the Home Office's decision to establish a triage facility at Manston, Kent. He highlights that this site was previously allocated for housing development and will be vacated by the Air Training Unit by 15 December. The proposal has been rushed without prior discussion or planning, causing concern over accommodation conditions and health provisions for migrants. Mr Gale calls for a halt to the project until proper consultations are conducted swiftly.

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