Bucks MPs slam "disaster" as Government approves plans for asylum centre near Bicester

Greg Smith, the Conservative MP for Mid Bucks, called the decision a “disaster” and said the Government “don’t give two hoots about us here in Bucks”.

Communities Secretary Angela Rayner has granted full planning permission for a former Ministry of Defence site near Piddington to be used for asylum accommodation for up to 1,256 people.

However, Mr Smith said he would explore “every avenue” to overturn the decision and work with police to protect nearby villages.

“The Labour Government have approved MoD Bicester Site A as an asylum camp,” the MP said.

"This is totally outrageous and proves this Government don’t give two hoots about us here in Bucks.

“I will keep working on two fronts - firstly to explore every avenue to get this decision overturned and secondly work with our police to ensure our villages are properly protected when the camp is opened up. Never give up.”

Joy Morrissey, the Conservative MP for Beaconsfield added: “Labour has chosen to put illegal migrant men before the safety of women and girls.

“The use of emergency powers by Angela Rayner shows complete contempt for the concerns of residents in Piddington, Bicester and surrounding villages.

“It is a disgraceful decision.”

Villagers in Piddington had strongly opposed plans to house single adult men at the former military site, raising concerns about women’s safety.

The parish council also held a symbolic vote on whether the village should leave the UK, hoping to persuade the Government to abandon the proposal.

But yesterday, a statement from Ms Rayner’s office confirmed the former barracks would be turned into accommodation for detained asylum seekers.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “The Secretary of State has granted full planning permission for the temporary, phased use of the former MoD Bicester storage site.

“As the decision may be subject to legal challenge, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”

Meanwhile, the Home Office welcomed the decision.

A spokesperson for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s department said: “Planning permission allows us to continue to progress the use of MoD Bicester. However, a final decision to proceed is yet to be taken.

“The Government is working on a fairer distribution of asylum accommodation across the country, with over £1 billion saved in costs since the election.

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

"These are designed to be self-contained, with 24/7 security and CCTV, to minimise the impact on the local community.”

There is now a six-week window when the decision could face a legal challenge.