Suella Braverman ‘advised to scrap asylum seekers plan for air base’

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

Find out moreClose

As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.

Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.

Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election

Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Home Secretary Suella Braverman was advised to scrap plans to house asylum seekers at a former RAF base, it has been reported.

According to an email reportedly seen by the BBC in February, a senior Home Office official advised the home secretary to stop work at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, warning of “significant challenges to progress”.

The email from the Resettlement, Asylum Support and Integration Directorate, which formed part of the evidence, recommended the Home Secretary “agree to stop work on proposals for RAF Scampton”.

West Lindsey District Council, which has secured funds from a developer to regenerate the site, on Thursday lost the first round of a High Court challenge to the plans.

Mr Justice Kerr had been asked to impose an interim injunction, preventing the Home Office moving “materials, equipment or people” on to the land, but he dismissed the council’s application.

Crews from 617 Squadron flew from Scampton for the Dambusters raid on the night of May 16-17, 1943.

The Red Arrows display team also trained at the base.

In a similar case, Braintree District Council says it aims to appeal after losing a High Court fight over Home Office proposals to house asylum seekers at Wethersfield Airfield.