‘Fact-finding mission’ as Barnham considers referendum

There is widespread opposition, with regular – mostly peaceful – protests taking place outside RAF Barnham.

Barnham Parish Council, West Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council are all firmly against the idea.

BBC political editor for the East, Andrew Sinclair, said: “Any vote for independence would, of course, only be symbolic – but that would be the point: it would show in an eye-catching way the strength of feeling over the issue of using RAF Barnham to house migrants.

“Residents in Barnham and other parts of the country who live near these camps have protested in large numbers, held meetings and written to ministers. But there is growing frustration that no one appears to be listening to them. Piddington’s 91% vote in favour of Independence is seen as a new way of making ministers take notice.”

He said the Home Office had said the military bases were temporary measures and the government had pointed to asylum seeker boat crossings coming down and deportations going up.

“But for those living near these camps, which are always deep in the countryside, there are fears about how this will affect their community,” he added.

“They worry about personal safety, crime and anti social behaviour even though official figures suggest there is very little to be worried about.”

The Home Office spokesperson added: “This government is working on a fairer distribution of asylum accommodation across the country, with £1bn saved in costs since the election.

“This includes closing all asylum hotels and moving to alternative accommodation, including former military sites.”

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.