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Suffolk Police have moved to end online speculation by confirming that no asylum seekers are currently being housed at MoD Barnham, the former RAF base near the Suffolk-Norfolk border. The force said it is aware of “misinformation circulating on social media” and has sought to reassure residents about activity around the site. The clarification follows intense public interest in the former RAF station after it was named among sites under government consideration for asylum accommodation.
The Home Office previously set involved proposals to use RAF Barnham to house up to 1,250 single adult men aged 18 to 65 who have applied for asylum in the United Kingdom. The development would have a minimum intended use of 10 years and would be part of a wider plan to reduce reliance on hotels for asylum accommodation. Those plans have prompted ongoing debate and weekly protests outside the main gate, with local residents and campaigners raising concerns about the impact on the countryside area and local services.
In a direct statement, a Suffolk Police spokesman said: “We are aware of the misinformation circulating on social media and would like to confirm that no asylum seekers are currently housed at MoD Barnham. This remains a live training site for Norfolk & Suffolk Constabularies and some vehicles that may have been seen on site such as buses are used for training purposes. Any persons seen on site will include police, MoD employees or security personnel. Claims suggesting otherwise are incorrect.”
The force emphasised that activity frequently seen at the site is legitimate, planned operation and training in which officers from both the Norfolk and Suffolk forces may participate. Sightings of buses, marked police vehicles or uniformed people have been interpreted by some online users as evidence of an asylum processing centre or accommodation facility. Police said these explanations are false, and those visible are not asylum seekers at any current Home Office operation.
Suffolk Police also addressed community tension arising from the proposal. Police have encouraged members of the public to express a concern about them children and lawful way, including at demonstrations or meetings, while warning against any criminal actions. Officers are said to be in close contact with the Ministry of Defence Police regarding site security, and the force said any reports of criminality on the MoD installation, such as criminal damage, trespassing or public order offences, would be handled “as subject” with suspects at risk of prosecution.
The future of the former RAF facility remains under consideration. While home use is not underway at present, the site continues to be part of a wider national conversation about asylum housing. Local police ask residents to check official sources before sharing information. As an argument over the base and more general plans continues, the odds are sure to fall; but for now the official message from police is clear: no asylum seekers at MoD Barnham.