Somerville ‘disappointed’ after talks with UK minister on asylum barracks plan

Scottish ministers say they have “not received the reassurances needed” from the UK Government over plans to house asylum seekers in military barracks in the Highlands.

The Home Office last week announced it planned to put around 300 male asylum seekers in Cameron Barracks in Inverness.

It comes as Labour ministers there seek to move asylum seekers out of hotels and into what it deems “more suitable” accommodation.

But with the prospect of hundreds of asylum seekers being put up in the centre of Inverness, the Scottish Government is seeking more details on the impact this would have on local services.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville raised the issue in talks with UK asylum minister Alex Norris.

But afterwards, Ms Somerville said she was “disappointed to still be left with unanswered questions”.

She insisted Holyrood ministers had not yet received received reassurance from the UK Government over the impact the proposal would have, with concerns raised about the possible cost implications for local health and policing services.

Ms Somerville said: “I have asked for urgent clarification from the UK Government on the impact on health, policing and other local services as we have not received the reassurances needed that there won’t be an increase in costs for services in the area.”

She also demanded that the Home Office “must provide urgent clarity to stop the spread of disinformation amongst communities in Inverness”.

The Social Justice Secretary said: “Scotland welcomes refugees and people seeking asylum but it is vital that the Home Office provides clear communication and reassurances on the impact on local services.”

Tuesday’s meeting took place after Ms Somerville wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, seeking clarity on  issues relating to the plans.

Meanwhile, Scottish Tory Highland and Islands MSP Edward Mountain complained there had been a “lack of information” for local communities about the plan.

The Conservative said: “Secrecy is the enemy of truth, and the UK Government needs to provide Highlanders with all of the facts.

“So far, insufficient communications regarding Cameron Barracks have only helped to encourage rumours and hatred.”

He wrote to the UK Government, saying this gave ministers there “the chance to set the record straight and outline the provisions they intend to implement to support local communities, and to ensure that our health and other public services do not suffer as a result of 300 people moving into Cameron Barracks”.

Liberal Democrat MP for the area Angus MacDonald also took part in talks with Mr Norris, making clear to him that “Cameron Barracks is not an appropriate location to house such a large number of asylum seekers”.

Mr MacDonald, the MP for Inverness, Skye & West Ross-shire, said: “With the battalion being deployed overseas, the military families living directly behind the barracks have voiced their serious concerns and I made sure these voices were heard by the minister.

“I have also heard from many residents concerned about the pressure this will put on already overstretched local health services.

“The UK Government have not done anywhere near enough to put in place support for our council and our health board.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels.

“This Government will close every asylum hotel. Work is well under way to move illegal migrants into military bases to ease pressure on communities across the country.

“We are working closely with local authorities, property partners and across Government so that we can accelerate delivery.”