Former RAF base 'closed' by Starmer could be expanded to take MORE migrants

The Prime Minister had pledged to close the site in July, along with the Bibby Stockholm barge and RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

However, the ongoing surge in Channel crossings has complicated his once cast-iron plan.

Ex-Home Secretary James Cleverly opposed the latest development in the RAF Wethersfield saga, citing the site's remote location and inadequate infrastructure.

Cleverly, whose Braintree seat includes RAF Wethersfield, said: "Labour's failure to stop the boats or smash the gangs shouldn't be used as an excuse to cram people into Wethersfield."

Tory veteran Priti Patel, who represents the neighbouring constituency of Witham, also voiced her objections.

She accused Starmer and his Home Secretary Yvette Cooper of "U-turning on the use of sites like Wethersfield and working behind the scenes to expand them, while growing the use of hotels".

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However, the Home Office defended its actions, arguing that there is a need to address an asylum system under "unprecedented strain" and save taxpayers money.

The number of migrants who have completed the perilous 21-mile journey in 2024 exceeded 30,000 at the end of last month.

The figure represents a 12 per cent increase compared to last year, with more crossing in the first 10 months of 2024 than the entirety of 2023.

Wethersfield was initially identified as a site to accommodate for 1,700 migrants.

However, following criticism over costs and practicality, the Home Office proposed capping numbers at 800, with a surge capacity of 1,245.

The site secured planning permission in April under a special development order, with 27 conditions.

Eight conditions remain outstanding, including four related to the 800-migrant cap.

The Home Office aims to discharge all conditions "as soon as reasonably practicable".

Alan MacKenzie, chair of the local residents Fields Association, expressed concerns about the site's suitability.

He argued: "Two former home secretaries recognised Wethersfield's isolation creates so many problems that it is unsuitable for an asylum centre, or a prison."

MacKenzie added: "It would be foolhardy to repeat the same mistake by increasing numbers there and the Government should seek to close the asylum centre there as soon as possible - as it has stated."

Despite local objections, the Home Office maintains that no final decision has been made regarding the site's future.

The facility has also been considered by the Ministry of Justice as a potential location for two super jails to address prison overcrowding.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We have taken immediate action to restart asylum processing which will save an estimated £7billion for the taxpayer over the next ten years, and are delivering a major uplift in returns to remove people with no right to be in the UK."