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03/02/2004
Controversial asylum centre plans abandoned
A controversial proposal to place a centre for asylum seekers at the former headquarters of the Fleet Air Arm in Hampshire has been ditched, it has been announced today.
The Home Office confirmed today that, following a "detailed investigation of the site", it has decided not to seek planning approval to develop a 400-bed accommodation centre for asylum seekers at HMS Daedalus, Gosport.
The proposal caused outrage locally and more than 8,000 people took to the streets following the Home Office's announcement on 11 February last year that it was considering the HMS Daedalus site.
The Home Office said that there were difficulties associated with the conversion of historic buildings and the creation of a suitable access point at the site.
Home Office Minister, Beverley Hughes, said: "I want our decision today to remove any uncertainty within the local community.
"The government remains committed to the trial of accommodation centres as part of our ongoing programme of asylum reform and, as integral components of that policy, we are continuing with our plans for accommodation centres in Bicester, Oxfordshire and at RAF Newton in Nottinghamshire."
The government plans to support asylum seekers in accommodation centres for a short period while their applications are processed.
A Home Office spokesperson said that it remained the government’s intention that the trial of accommodation centres will include at least one centre that is smaller than the 750-bed model, and is located in, or near, an urban area.
Discussions are continuing with the Refugee Council about the core and cluster model proposed by them.
(gmcg)
The Home Office confirmed today that, following a "detailed investigation of the site", it has decided not to seek planning approval to develop a 400-bed accommodation centre for asylum seekers at HMS Daedalus, Gosport.
The proposal caused outrage locally and more than 8,000 people took to the streets following the Home Office's announcement on 11 February last year that it was considering the HMS Daedalus site.
The Home Office said that there were difficulties associated with the conversion of historic buildings and the creation of a suitable access point at the site.
Home Office Minister, Beverley Hughes, said: "I want our decision today to remove any uncertainty within the local community.
"The government remains committed to the trial of accommodation centres as part of our ongoing programme of asylum reform and, as integral components of that policy, we are continuing with our plans for accommodation centres in Bicester, Oxfordshire and at RAF Newton in Nottinghamshire."
The government plans to support asylum seekers in accommodation centres for a short period while their applications are processed.
A Home Office spokesperson said that it remained the government’s intention that the trial of accommodation centres will include at least one centre that is smaller than the 750-bed model, and is located in, or near, an urban area.
Discussions are continuing with the Refugee Council about the core and cluster model proposed by them.
(gmcg)
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Scottish asylum centre to be expanded
Dungavel Removal Centre in Scotland is to be expanded with the building of a new 43-bed unit for single adult males, the Home Office announced today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
