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Suffolk County Council backs exploring advisory referendum on asylum housing at RAF Barnham
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Suffolk County Council has voted in favour of a motion to explore holding an advisory referendum regarding Home Office plans to house asylum seekers at RAF Barnham. The proposal, brought forward by Reform UK councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, was backed by 39 councillors, with 13 against and 13 abstentions, and is targeted for the elections on 6 May 2027. Opposition councillors criticised the plan over its potential cost of up to £2m, lack of legal binding, and timing.
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- Suffolk County Council voted 39 to 13, with 13 abstentions, to back a motion exploring an advisory referendum on asylum housing.
- The proposed referendum relates to Home Office plans to convert RAF Barnham into accommodation for approximately 1,250 male asylum seekers.
- The motion was proposed by Reform UK councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton to give local communities a voice.
- Opposition councillors from Green, Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat groups criticised the plan over costs ranging from £250,000 to £2m, a lack of legal standing, and timing.
- The potential referendum is being considered for the next elections on 6 May 2027.