Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of proposed security arrangements to address potential risks to the safety of local residents using public rights of way, local roads and other public spaces surrounding the proposed asylum accommodation at Site A at MoD Bicester.

No final decision has been taken on the future use of MOD Bicester.

Suitability assessments are ongoing and will consider a range of factors including safety, security, operational deliverability, planning requirements, and the impact on local services and communities. This work is informed by engagement with Thames Valley Police and other statutory partners.

Any proposal would be subject to the relevant planning and approval processes, through which potential impacts on the local area, including public rights of way and public access routes would be considered before any final decision is taken.

The Home Office would continue working closely with local police and partners to assess risks and help protect the safety and wellbeing of local communities, staff and those accommodated on site.