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Suffolk County Council debates proposed referendum on housing asylum seekers at RAF Barnham
Overview
Suffolk County Council is discussing a proposal by Reform UK to hold a referendum on government plans to house 1,250 male asylum seekers at RAF Barnham for a minimum of 10 years. While proponents argue the vote gives residents a voice on an important issue, opposition politicians from the Green, Conservative, and Labour parties have dismissed the move as a publicity stunt, noting that asylum is ultimately handled by the Home Office and the non-binding vote would not stop government plans. Local residents expressed mixed views on whether a referendum would be helpful.
Key points
- Suffolk County Council's administration proposed a referendum on government plans to convert RAF Barnham into accommodation for 1,250 male asylum seekers.
- Reform UK argues the referendum would allow local residents to have their say during next May's elections at a marginal cost.
- Opposition politicians, including the Green Party, have criticized the proposal as a political circus and publicity stunt.
- Because asylum is decided by the Home Office, the proposed local referendum would not legally stop the government's plans.
- Local residents interviewed in Ipswich expressed a range of opinions, from supporting a fact-finding vote to questioning its necessity or opposing the presence of asylum seekers entirely.