High Court challenge to RAF Scampton plans to get underway

West Lindsey District Council[1] is challenging plans for RAF Scampton to be used as a base for asylum seekers in the High Court. The first stage of legal action launched by the council will begin on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

The council is launching a judicial review against the Home Office's decision to house 2,000 asylum seekers at the former RAF base. The first stage of the process will be to ask for an injunction to pause the plans while legal proceedings get underway.

A spokesperson for West Lindsey District Council said: "As part of the judicial review, the council has sought interim relief and, in any event, directions for an expedited determination of the substantive claim.

Poll - Are you worried about the RAF asylum seekers plans?[2]

"In the application for legal proceedings made by the council on 28 April, the council set out its case for the urgent consideration of interim relief.

"The council has sought an urgent interim injunction to prevent the Home Office from taking any further steps towards the acquisition and development of the site, or the accommodation of asylum seekers at the site, until such time as the judicial review has been determined."

A Home Office[3] spokesperson said: "Delivering accommodation on surplus military sites will provide cheaper and more orderly, suitable accommodation for those arriving in small boats whilst helping to reduce the use of hotels.

"These accommodation sites will house asylum seekers in basic, safe and secure accommodation as they await a decision on their claim.

"We understand the concerns of local communities and will work closely with councils and key partners to manage the impact of using these sites, including liaising with local police to make sure appropriate arrangements are in place."

If the interim injunction is granted, it would be the first hurdle in a lengthy process for WLDC in its aim to stop the site from being used to house asylum seekers. The asylum seeker housing plans at RAF Scampton have hugely impacted WLDC's £300 million "landmark deal" to preserve, protect and enhance the site, including the creation of thousands of jobs.

The process is likely to take several months, with the best outcome for the council being that the decision made was wrong, meaning the Home Office would need to make the decision and go through the process again.

References

  1. ^ West Lindsey District Council (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  2. ^ Poll - Are you worried about the RAF asylum seekers plans? (xd.wayin.com)
  3. ^ Home Office (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)

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