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Suffolk PCC Opposes RAF Barnham Asylum Plans

Tuesday, 6 October 2026 20:48

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner says he will fight plans to use former RAF Barnham as accommodation for asylum seekers.

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner says he will fight proposals to use former RAF Barnham near Thetford as accommodation for asylum seekers.

Tim Passmore says Suffolk and Norfolk Police currently lease the former military site for specialist training and had been exploring the possibility of buying it.

The facility is used for activities including public-order and tactical training, with police also considering expanding its use for driver, dog and firearms training.

Mr Passmore says significant public money has already been invested at Barnham and he would oppose any move which forced police operations to leave the site.

He said he was surprised when the Home Office announced it was considering RAF Barnham for asylum accommodation.

The government is examining whether the site could be used to house single adult male asylum seekers as part of plans to reduce reliance on hotels.

However, the Home Office says no final decision has been made.

Feasibility assessments are continuing and ministers say the exploratory work does not predetermine the site’s future use.

Any scheme would also require the necessary planning permissions and other approvals.

Police have previously warned that losing access to RAF Barnham could have a significant impact on specialist training arrangements across Norfolk and Suffolk.

 

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