Motion For the Home Secretary to take urgent action to halt plans to turn RAF Scampton into an alternative accommodation centre for migrants
“I, Councillor Sebastian Hague, propose that this Council:
1. calls on the Home Secretary, Ms Suella Braverman, to immediately halt the government’s plans to turn RAF Scampton into an alternative accommodation centre for migrants.
2. Calls on Lincolnshire County Council to join West Lindsey District Council in standing for evidence-based, consultative decisions that align with the welfare and aspirations of West Lindsey residents; and those seeking asylum within the UK.
This motion is proposed for the following reasons:
Significance of RAF Scampton
RAF Scampton stands as more than a landmark; it's a symbolic emblem of our national history and pride. The sudden proposition to convert this site into an accommodation centre for asylum seekers fundamentally undermines its historical and sentimental significance.
Effect on Planned Community Projects
Our council, with the support of residents hassecured a £300m investment plan to transform RAF Scampton which will preserve, protect and enhance by providing aviation heritage, business and aerospace, space and aviation technology. The government'ssudden proposal disrupts these plans, casting a shadow on the future economic growth of our local community and dampening the entrepreneurial spirit of our residents.
Sustainability and Infrastructure Deficiencies
RAF Scampton and its vicinity lack the necessary infrastructure to support a large influx of asylum seekers. This population requires comprehensive access to essential services, such as healthcare, social care, and other public services. The current proposal overlooks these fundamental human needs and the subsequent strain on our existing infrastructure.
Absence of Consultative Decision-Making
A decision of this magnitude demands transparency, inclusive dialogue, and thorough evaluation. However, we have witnessed a lack of all these elements in the decision-making process. This approach raises considerable doubts about the leadership of the Home Secretary.
Moral Implications
The moral implications of this proposed plan cannot be understated. Asylum seekers are individuals who have experienced profound hardship and are looking to us for compassion and refuge. It is our duty to provide them with suitable accommodation that affords them the dignity they deserve, and that can cater to their needs for healthcare, social care, and other public services. The use of RAF Scampton as a asylum accommodation centre does not align with these values.
Conclusion
This issue, however, is more than a critique of a single decision. It is an indictment of an absence of common sense and empathy in leadership that we are witnessing. The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, who has been entrusted with the welfare of both our citizens and those seeking asylum within our borders, appears to have given little thought to the impact, viability, and humanitarian consequences of such a decision.
Hence, I, Councillor Sabastian Hague, on behalf of the West Lindsey District Council, propose this motion to call on the Home Secretary to immediately halt the government’s plans to turn RAF Scampton into an alternative accommodation centre for migrants; and to call on Lincolnshire County Council to join West Lindsey District Council in standing for evidence-based, consultative decisions that align with the welfare and aspirations of West Lindsey residents; and those seeking asylum within the UK.
I so Move”
Minutes:
The Chairman advised the meeting that one Motion had been submitted pursuant to Council Procedure Rule No. 10 and was set out on the agenda.
Councillor Hague was invited to put his Motion to the meeting as follows:-
“Motion for the Home Secretary to take urgent action to halt plans to turn RAF Scampton into an alternative accommodation centre for migrants.
“I, Councillor Sabastian Hague, propose that this Council:
2. Calls on Lincolnshire County Council to join West Lindsey District Council in standing for evidence-based, consultative decisions that align with the welfare and aspirations of West Lindsey residents; and those seeking asylum within the UK.
This motion is proposed for the following reasons:-
Significance of RAF Scampton
RAF Scampton stands as more than a landmark; it's a symbolic emblem of our national history and pride. The sudden proposition to convert this site into an accommodation centre for asylum seekers fundamentally undermines its historical and sentimental significance.
Effect on Planned Community Projects
Our council, with the support of residents hassecured a £300m investment plan to transform RAF Scampton which will preserve, protect and enhance by providing aviation heritage, business and aerospace, space and aviation technology. The government'ssudden proposal disrupts these plans, casting a shadow on the future economic growth of our local community and dampening the entrepreneurial spirit of our residents.
Sustainability and Infrastructure Deficiencies
RAF Scampton and its vicinity lack the necessary infrastructure to support a large influx of asylum seekers. This population requires comprehensive access to essential services, such as healthcare, social care, and other public services. The current proposal overlooks these fundamental human needs and the subsequent strain on our existing infrastructure.
Absence of Consultative Decision-Making
A decision of this magnitude demands transparency, inclusive dialogue, and thorough evaluation. However, we have witnessed a lack of all these elements in the decision-making process. This approach raises considerable doubts about the leadership of the Home Secretary.
Moral Implications
The moral implications of this proposed plan cannot be understated. Asylum seekers are individuals who have experienced profound hardship and are looking to us for compassion and refuge. It is our duty to provide them with suitable accommodation that affords them the dignity they deserve, and that can cater to their needs for healthcare, social care, and other public services. The use of RAF Scampton as an asylum accommodation centre does not align with these values.
Conclusion
This issue, however, is more than a critique of a single decision. It is an indictment of an absence of common sense and empathy in leadership that we are witnessing. The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, who has been entrusted with the welfare of both our citizens and those seeking asylum within our borders, appears to have given little thought to the impact, viability, and humanitarian consequences of such a decision.
Hence, I, Councillor Sabastian Hague, on behalf of the West Lindsey District Council, propose this motion to call on the Home Secretary to immediately halt the government’s plans to turn RAF Scampton into an alternative accommodation centre for migrants; and to call on Lincolnshire County Council to join West Lindsey District Council in standing for evidence-based, consultative decisions that align with the welfare and aspirations of West Lindsey residents; and those seeking asylum within the UK.
I so Move”.
With the Motion duly seconded, a debate ensued.
Councillor Fleetwood, Leader of the Opposition, highlighted to the Chamber that WLDC and Lincolnshire County Council had been engaged over a long period of time and each Council had been supportive of the other. He also pointed out that whilst the Motion mentioned the welfare of Scampton residents, it was not actually tailored to ensuring the welfare of those residents. Furthermore, he considered that the Motion should make it clear that this was to be a migrants centre and that residents of the facility would be free to come and go as they pleased.
Accordingly Councillor Fleetwood moved three amendments which were duly seconded:-
(a) That the Motion should delete reference to calls on Lincolnshire County Council to join West Lindsey District Council in seeking evidence based consultative decisions.
(b) That statement number two should be tailored specifically to Scampton and the word “Scampton” included within the Motion.
(c) That the Motion should make it clear that the facility was a migrant centre and that residents were free to come and go as they pleased.
Upon being put to the meeting, the amendment was declared to be LOST.
The meeting then proceeded to debate the original Motion during which it was stated that it was essential to keep all the local communities within West Lindsey updated with developments so that they could consider their responses. Reference was made to the duty of care which the Council would need to have for the residents of the centre should it be approved.
The motive of the motion was questioned by the Opposition, suggesting it was not focussed on the local community or on securing the councils investment and this is what this Council should be fighting for. Referencing the considerable amount of work undertaken by the Council in developing a £300 million development for the site which recognised its importance as a heritage site and the significant contribution it could make to the local economy. This is where assurances needed to be sought from the Government on these proposals.
During the course of the debate Councillor Fleetwood proposed another amendment to statement two, as follows and this was duly seconded:-
“That West Lindsey District Council stands for evidence-based, consultative decisions for Scampton which should align with the welfare and aspirations of the residents of West Lindsey”.
Upon being put to the meeting, the amendment was declared to be CARRIED.
It was thereupon proposed by Councillor Brockway and duly seconded that:-
“Where appropriate within the Motion it be made clear that West Lindsey District Council would continue to work with Lincolnshire County Council in relation to this proposal”. to acknowledge the work undertaken by the County Council to date.”
Upon being put to the meeting the amendment was CARRIED.
The meeting proceeded to debate the original Motion as now amended.
Some Members considered that the Scampton situation should be put into context, stating that this was wholly avoidable and that the Government had failed in its approach to immigration and this had resulted in the creation of a “breeding ground” for illegal gangs and irregular entry to the country. In addition illegal trafficking of human beings had resulted in fatalities occurring.
Members recognised that this was serious issue and that it was essential for properly thought through policies on immigration that considered local communities and the most vulnerable people affected by illegal immigration. However, all were in agreement that the site at Scampton was not appropriate for a number of reasons, including access to services but also due to the planned regeneration and investment secured for the site.
It was considered unacceptable that the Government had not undertaken proper and meaningful consultation with local residents.
There was political heated exchange regarding the MPs approach and involvement to date, with differing views expressed as to whether this had been appropriate and effective to date. This was met with further suggestions regarding the true intent of the motion.
It was felt that all Parishes in the area would be affected by the Scampton proposal – not just those within Scampton. It was therefore imperative to consult all local communities. A lot of the discussion hinged around the definition of local residents. Some felt residents of Scampton were the most affected, but it was pointed out that all surrounding local communities would be affected.
After all those Members who had asked to speak had contributed to the meeting, the mover of the original Motion, as now amended, was invited to exercise a right of reply.
The Motion as amended (by the changes referred to above) was then put to the vote and declared to be CARRIED and as a result it was:-
RESOLVED that: -
1. This Council calls on the Home Secretary, Ms Suella Braverman, to immediately halt the Government’s plans to turn RAF Scampton into an alternative accommodation centre for migrants;
2. that West Lindsey District Council stands for evidence based consultative decisions regarding Scampton that align with the welfare and aspirations of West Lindsey residents.
3. It be made clear in the reasoning for the Motion that West Lindsey District Council wishes to continue to work closely with Lincolnshire County Council.