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Asylum Seeker Accommodation: RAF Manston
15 December 2021
Lead MP
Tom Pursglove
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
ImmigrationAsylum & RefugeesMigrants & BordersForeign AffairsLocal Government
Other Contributors: 13
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
ImmigrationAsylum & RefugeesMigrants & BordersForeign AffairsLocal Government
Government Statement
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Shadow Comment
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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