Protesters rally against 'inhumane' immigration centre after plans to double its size

Protesters gathered outside Campsfield Immigration Centre in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, on Saturday to oppose government plans to more than double its capacity. The facility, currently housing up to 160 migrants, faces proposals to expand to accommodate 400 individuals. The Home Office’s initiative has drawn widespread criticism from local authorities, activists, and community members, who describe the center as inhumane. Campsfield Immigration Centre, located on the outskirts of Kidlington, had previously shut down in 2018 after a review of detainee welfare and sustained protests, including hunger strikes. It reopened in December of last year despite opposition from Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council. This weekend’s demonstrations reflect ongoing resistance to both the reopening and the proposed expansion. The government also aims to revive and enlarge Haslar Immigration Detention Centre in Gosport, Hampshire, which closed a decade ago. Plans call for the facility to house 600 foreign criminals and undocumented migrants across three storeys. Local officials and campaigners have voiced concerns about the ethical implications of such expansions, emphasizing the need for humane treatment of detained individuals. Liz Peretz, one of approximately 20 protesters at Campsfield, expressed frustration with the government’s approach. She stated that the expansion violates the principles outlined by Prime Minister Andy Burnham during his campaign in the Makerfield by-election, where he pledged to allow local communities to determine such decisions. Peretz criticized the policy of detaining migrants seeking asylum, those with expired visas, or those completing criminal sentences, calling it inhumane and urging the adoption of alternative solutions. Opposition to the Campsfield expansion has been robust, with around 250 objections submitted by neighbors, workers, councils, MPs, human rights advocates, and campaign groups. These objections frequently called for a public inquiry to scrutinize the plans thoroughly. The government’s planning inspectorate confirmed that a public inquiry will be conducted, acknowledging the complexity of the issues raised and the need for formal examination of evidence. The inquiry, a court-like legal process, will assess the merits of the expansion and could either authorize or reject the plans. According to government guidelines, the inquiry will be open to the public and involve cross-examinations of expert witnesses and other relevant parties. Parties involved may be represented by advocates, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the evidence presented. The Crown Development route, used for both Campsfield and Haslar centers, allows the government to bypass local planning authorities, citing national importance. However, the decision to hold a public inquiry suggests recognition of the controversy surrounding these projects. The inquiry’s date, time, and location will be announced on the application website once finalized. Zoe Huggins, leader of Gosport Borough Council, has been vocal about the potential impact of reopening Haslar. While specific statements from her were not included in the available information, the council’s stance aligns with broader opposition to the expansion of immigration detention facilities. Concerns include the environmental impact, community disruption, and ethical considerations related to migrant detention. The proposed expansions have reignited debates about immigration policies and the treatment of detainees. Critics argue that the current system lacks transparency and accountability, while supporters contend that such measures are necessary for national security and border control. As the public inquiry approaches, further details about the scope and implications of the expansions will likely emerge, influencing future discussions on immigration policy.