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Government denies RAF Scampton asylum camp speculation

Callum Parke/PA Wire RAF ScamptonCallum Parke/PA Wire
Up to 2,000 asylum seekers could be housed at the site in Lincolnshire, the government said

Claims that the first wave of asylum seekers would move in to the ex-RAF Scampton site as early as next week have been denied by the government.

It comes after speculation among some Lincolnshire politicians and on social media that up to 50 migrants were expected to arrive on Monday.

The Home Office has said the claims were "inaccurate" and refused to commit to a date for their arrival.

Up to 2,000 asylum seekers are expected to be housed there when operational.

Responding to claims the first group of migrants was due to move onto the site imminently, a Home Office spokesperson said: "It is inaccurate to claim the site will be opening on Monday 9th."

They added: "We will not be providing a running commentary on speculation regarding the site's opening."

Campaigners outside RAF Scampton
Campaigners have staged a circus-themed rally outside the former RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire

The plans for the former base of the World War Two Dambusters squadron and, more recently, the Red Arrows have met with strong opposition.

Campaigners have staged a number of protests and historians have objected due to the site's links with the Dambusters raids in 1943.

Opponents have also said the plans would jeopardise a £300m regeneration deal struck earlier this year to revive the site.

Meanwhile, a judicial review into the Home Office's plans for the Scampton site is due to take place at the end of this month.

West Lindsey District Council Temporary Stop Notice at RAF ScamptonWest Lindsey District Council
The council issued a temporary stop notice to workers at Scampton last month

Last month, West Lindsey District Council issued a stop notice to the Home Office over work being carried out at the site.

However, on Wednesday the local authority said the work had been continuing at the site, despite the Home Office having said it was complying with the terms of the stop notice.

The Home Office previously told the BBC it was confident its project met planning requirements and it was aware of the notice.

It added it was "carefully considering the implications" of the notice and "it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time".

The Home Office has previously said accommodation on surplus military sites "provides cheaper and more orderly, suitable accommodation for those arriving in small boats", helping reduce the use of hotels.

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