Understand
Conservative motion to block MoD Bicester asylum housing plans defeated in Parliament
Overview
A parliamentary motion tabled by the Conservatives to halt government plans to house up to 1,256 male asylum seekers at the former Ministry of Defence site near Bicester has been defeated. Shadow minister Joy Morrissey argued the plans created safeguarding issues for the nearby village of Piddington and proposed leaving the European Convention on Human Rights. The government defended the plans, citing 24/7 security measures and stating that similar sites have operated without increasing local criminality, while local MP Calum Miller opposed the site but rejected leaving the ECHR.
Key points
- The Conservative motion to block plans for housing 1,256 male asylum seekers at MoD Bicester was defeated in the House of Commons.
- Shadow Minister Joy Morrissey argued the camp would threaten local safety and suggested the UK should leave the European Convention on Human Rights.
- Women from the nearby Oxfordshire village of Piddington, which previously voted symbolically on independence over the issue, watched the debate from the public gallery.
- Local MP Calum Miller acknowledged residents' safety fears but disagreed that leaving the ECHR was the appropriate solution.
- The government defended the proposal, stating that public safety is a priority and pointing out that similar accommodation sites operate with 24/7 security and no evidence of increased criminality.