Police Issue ‘Critical Risk’ Warning Over Plan to House Asylum Seekers Near UK Town
Plans to accommodate asylum seekers at a former Royal Air Force (RAF) military base near the English town of Thetford have sparked considerable controversy after senior police officers warned that the proposal could create a “critical risk” to public safety and policing operations. The dispute has highlighted the growing challenges facing the British government as it attempts to reduce its dependence on expensive asylum hotels while responding to concerns from local authorities, residents and emergency services.
The proposed accommodation site is RAF Barnham, located near Thetford in Suffolk, close to the Norfolk border. The Home Office has considered transforming the former military facility into accommodation for hundreds or potentially more than a thousand asylum seekers awaiting decisions on their applications. However, the site is currently used by Norfolk and Suffolk police forces as a specialist training centre, making the proposal particularly controversial.
Police Warn of a Critical Risk
The strongest opposition has come from Norfolk and Suffolk police, whose senior officers have warned that losing access to RAF Barnham could seriously affect their ability to provide specialist training.
In a letter to Policing Minister Sarah Jones, the two forces described the base as a critical policing asset that supports specialist operational training across both constabularies. They argued that the facilities could not easily be replaced by ordinary training environments without significant disruption.
Police leaders also questioned the government’s proposed timetable for vacating the site. According to their assessment, relocating the training facilities safely could require up to six months. They warned that forcing the forces to leave within a matter of weeks would be unrealistic and could undermine important operational capabilities.
The concerns extend beyond training arrangements. Police officers also warned that converting the military base into asylum accommodation could increase tensions within surrounding communities, potentially creating additional demands for public-order policing.
Their position reflects a broader concern that decisions involving major public facilities should take account of existing operational responsibilities and the potential consequences for local safety.
Why Does the Government Want to Use RAF Barnham?
The Home Office’s proposal forms part of a wider government strategy to reduce the use of hotels for accommodating asylum seekers.
For several years, the British government has relied heavily on hotels and temporary accommodation because of the growing number of people seeking international protection and delays in processing asylum applications.
However, hotel accommodation has proved extremely expensive for taxpayers. The government has therefore explored alternative arrangements, including former military bases and other large properties that could provide more stable accommodation.
RAF Barnham is one of several former military sites considered for this purpose. Other locations, including RAF Wethersfield in Essex and Crowborough in East Sussex, have also been used or considered for asylum accommodation.
The government argues that military facilities offer advantages because they can provide controlled accommodation, security arrangements and sufficient space for large numbers of residents.
A Home Office spokesperson has said that the government is working to distribute asylum accommodation more fairly across the country while reducing reliance on hotels.
According to government figures cited in August 2026, the number of asylum seekers accommodated in hotels had fallen by 35 per cent over the previous year and by 63 per cent compared with the peak of approximately 56,000 in September 2023.
These figures demonstrate the financial and administrative pressures driving the government’s search for alternative accommodation.
Concerns Among Local Residents
Although the government sees RAF Barnham as a possible solution to accommodation pressures, many residents living nearby have expressed strong concerns.
Barnham is a relatively small village with a population of fewer than 600 people. Residents fear that introducing a large accommodation facility could significantly change the character of their community.
Some residents have questioned whether local infrastructure would be capable of supporting a substantial increase in population. Healthcare facilities, transport services, schools and other public resources could face additional pressure if hundreds of new residents were accommodated nearby.
Thetford, which has a population of approximately 26,000, is also concerned about the wider consequences of the proposal.
Local representatives have raised questions about policing capacity, community safety, healthcare provision and the availability of public transport. They argue that decisions involving large accommodation developments should be accompanied by detailed assessments of local needs.
Another major concern is the lack of consultation. Some residents believe that the government has not provided sufficient information about the proposal or adequately involved local communities in the decision-making process.
For many people, the issue is not simply the presence of asylum seekers but whether the government has developed a realistic plan to manage the consequences for the surrounding area.
Political Opposition and Community Protests
The proposal has become an increasingly controversial political issue, attracting criticism from local councillors and elected representatives.
West Suffolk Council unanimously supported a motion declaring that RAF Barnham was unsuitable for the proposed use. Several other local authorities have also expressed opposition.
Nick Timothy, the Conservative MP for West Suffolk, has criticised the government’s approach and raised concerns about the process being used to secure approval for the development.
The issue has also generated protests outside the former military base. Demonstrations have reflected a mixture of concerns about local services, public safety, government consultation and immigration policy.
However, it is important to distinguish peaceful protest from intimidation or violence. Residents have the right to express concerns about government decisions, but asylum seekers also have legal rights and should not be subjected to threats or discrimination.
A constructive debate requires accurate information, transparency and respect for everyone affected by the proposal.