Mixed signals are continuing over plans for the future of RAF Scampton, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insists asylum seekers will not be housed there — only weeks after the defence minister refused to rule it out.
The former RAF Scampton site was originally earmarked by the Conservative government to house migrants awaiting asylum processing. Labour scrapped the plan last September, though not before it had already cost the Home Office at least £48 million.
A year later, Defence Minister Luke Pollard suggested the idea could be revived as part of efforts to close all asylum hotels in favour of “cheaper, more appropriate sites” — potentially including those previously assessed by the Home Office.
In a fresh and confusing twist, Sir Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his “commitment” that asylum seekers will not be housed at Scampton. West Lindsey District Council said it would continue to oppose the plans if they re-emerge.
Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities, for the authority said: “West Lindsey District Council remains clear in our position that RAF Scampton is wholly unsuitable as a site for asylum accommodation. The location presents significant challenges, including the protection of nationally important heritage, the limitations of local rural infrastructure, unresolved contamination issues, and the sheer scale of disruption such a proposal would cause to our communities.”
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.