Bicester migrant camp protesters continue - EUROPE SAYS
Government plans for the disused “Site A” at MOD Bicester, between Piddington and Upper Arncott, have been met with resistance from both sides of the political spectrum. Asylum seekers put there would not be. . .
Government plans for the disused “Site A” at MOD Bicester, between Piddington and Upper Arncott, have been met with resistance from both sides of the political spectrum. Asylum seekers put there would not be detained but the site would be “self‑contained”. Protests at the Bicester migrant camp site (Image: Michael Wilson)There would be 24/7 security, CCTV, sign‑in and sign‑out at the gate and a strict no‑alcohol policy, the government has said. ButCherwell District Councilhas publicly criticised the lack of consultation and says it is still seeking “full details” of the proposal, including scale, security and impact on services. Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber has attacked both the process and the potential impact, warning of extra pressure on local policing, including managing protests at and around the camp. And Asylum Welcome, an Oxfordshire refugee charity, has raised “serious concerns”, arguing that large, institutional camps on isolated military sites risk worsening isolation. On Sunday, July 26, Reform UK councillor Michael Wilson attended a protest with other people against the plans. Protests at the Bicester migrant camp site (Image: Michael Wilson)Mr Wilson described the protest as “peaceful” and that he “does not believe the proposal is right” for Bicester. “Our community deserves to be listened to, properly consulted and treated with respect,” he said. “As your local councillor, I will continue to stand alongside residents, listen to your concerns and ensure your voices are heard. “A huge thank you to Paula and all of the organisers for the dedication, time and hard work they continue to put into these peaceful events. “Thank you also to everyone who attended today. It was fantastic to see so many people coming together respectfully and showing the strength of our community. “It’s always a pleasure to catch up with familiar faces, meet new residents and have meaningful conversations about the issues that matter most to Bicester. “Together, we will continue to make our voices heard. Bicester says NO. ”Paula Ewers, one of the organisers of the protest against the MOD site being used for asylum seekers, said: “It went well. We had some fantastic speakers from as young as 8 years old to an elderly lady. “When the news of the site being used to house the asylum seekers it filled me with fear. “They are undocumented men who will be free to go wherever they wish. We have seen how it has affected Crowborough, and I don’t want the same to happen here in Bicester, I have small children and I want us all to feel safe. ”Liberal Democrat MP Calum Miller has also voiced his opposition to the camp. He called the site “the wrong site, in the wrong place” and added there was “no credible plan” for services, safety or social cohesion. He said previously: “Site A was found to be unsuitable for asylum accommodation more than 20 years ago. “The site remains isolated, poorly connected and far from the services people placed there would need. “Ministers have provided no credible explanation of what has changed. ”He added: “It is wrong for residents and wrong for people seeking asylum. The Government has not thought this through. “It is simply shuffling people from one unsuitable form of accommodation to another. ”