Watchdogs to inspect controversial barracks housing asylum seekers after health fears

Inquiry launched into two military camps amid mounting concerns of 'entirely inappropriate' conditions

Campaigners have warned that conditions in the barracks are not suitable for housing hundreds of asylum seekers during a pandemic (Getty Images)

The UK’s prison and immigration watchdogs are to carry out an investigation of two controversial military barracks that are housing asylum seekers, amid mounting concern about conditions on the sites

Next week, the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) will visit Napier Barracks in Kent and Penally Camp in Pembrokeshire, assisted by the Prison Inspectorate.

It comes as ministers come under mounting pressure over levels of safety and access to legal advice and healthcare in the two camps, which are housing hundreds of people.

A Covid outbreak at Napier barracks last month led to a ban on residents leaving the site, with more than 120 people having since tested positive.

The ICIBI had initially planned a broader inquiry into the use of hotels and barracks as contingency asylum accommodation, but he announced on Wednesday that an inspection of the two camps would take place imminently.

The military sites are not technically detention facilities, but the ICIBI said that the prison watchdog’s involvement would enable the inspection to progress “at pace” and with the benefit of its experience of inspecting large institutional settings, particularly during the pandemic.

Chief inspector David Bolt said the inquiry would consist of interviews with staff and residents in the barracks, a review of relevant locally-held documentary evidence, an assessment of the premises and onsite facilities and surveys with staff and residents.

Despite the mounting criticism about the adequacy of the military sites for housing refugees, immigration minister Chris Philp has denied that using former army barracks as asylum accommodation is problematic.

When challenged over Covid safety at Napier Barracks on Monday, he claimed the facility was “appropriate and suitable” to house asylum seekers.

Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts, who will be meeting with Mr Bolt as part of the inspection, said: “It’s clear from reports on the ground that the site is wholly unsuitable and must be closed.”

Stuart McDonald, the SNP’s shadow home secretary, said he was “pleased” the investigation was taking place but added: “It should never have come to this.”

“This whole debacle shows how completely out-of-touch the Home Office is with reality. To place asylum seekers in inhumane conditions and claim it was necessary to maintain public confidence in the asylum system is utterly appalling – and shows contempt for both asylum seekers and the general public,” he added.

It comes after leading bishops called on the Home Office to end the use of military barracks as accommodation for asylum seekers on Thursday, describing the practice as “irresponsible” and “entirely inappropriate”.