Asylum seekers win fight to be moved from Welsh ex-army camp after inspectors found it was 'filthy' and 'run down'

• e-mail

Asylum seekers will be moved out of military barracks in Wales that were branded 'impoverished and run-down', the Welsh Secretary has said.

Simon Hart confirmed in a letter to residents near Penally Camp, in Pembrokeshire, that the site would be returned to the Ministry of Defence by March 21.

Mr Hart's letter said that although the decision to use the camp to house asylum seekers had caused 'much frustration and anger' in the community, the Home Office claimed it had 'little option at the time.'

The first of around 250 male asylum seekers aged between 18 and 35 moved into the site in September of last year.

The decision comes after an independent inspection of the Penally site, as well that of Napier Barracks in Folkestone, Kent, found they were 'impoverished, run-down and unsuitable for long-term accommodation'.

Mr Hart's letter on Tuesday said: 'I am very pleased to confirm that the Home Office has agreed to return Penally Camp to the Ministry of Defence by March 21.

Asylum seekers will be moved out of the Penally military barracks in Wales after they were branded 'impoverished and run-down', the Welsh Secretary has said.

The decision comes after an independent inspection of the Penally site, as well that of Napier Barracks in Folkestone, Kent, found they were 'impoverished, run-down and unsuitable for long-term accommodation'

'The decision has been taken following many weeks of discussions between myself, the Wales Office and the Home Office ministerial team.

'During those meetings and discussions (which have been taking place almost daily over the last few months) we have tried to ensure that the concerns of everybody involved have been properly and legally accounted for.

'The impact of flight and accommodation regulations due to Covid-19 have made this much more complicated than would usually be the case.

'I am deeply conscious that the manner in which the use of Penally came about caused much frustration and anger. The Home Office has recognised this contributed to heightened tensions, but stress they had little option at the time.'

Mr Hart's letter paid tribute to police, the health board and the local authority for their efforts in 'maintaining a measured approach to a situation thrust upon them at short notice'.

The Home Office has faced repeated criticism over its use of Penally Camp and Napier Barracks to accommodate asylum seekers.

At both locations, residents described feeling trapped in poor conditions and feared that if they moved out they would jeopardise their only source of support and possibly their asylum cases

However, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Immigration Minister Chris Philp have both previously defended the use of such sites.

Last week, an independent report found 'fundamental failures' over housing asylum seekers at the military barracks, parts of which were 'filthy'.

The Home Office today said the site 'has been good value for money' and those living there would 'otherwise be destitute'. 

It followed inspections by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP).

Inspectors said: 'The environment at both sites, especially Napier, was impoverished, run-down and unsuitable for long-term accommodation.'

At both locations, residents described feeling trapped in poor conditions and feared that if they moved out they would jeopardise their only source of support and possibly their asylum cases.

A petition calling to close Napier Barracks in Folkestone, Kent, and Penally Barracks in Pembrokeshire, where asylum seekers are being housed has been signed by thousands of people within hours of its launch. Pictured: Peaceful protesting at the barracks

The arrival of the men was initially met with protests from locals concerned over the impact on local services and house prices in the 800-resident village.

Far right activists later joined in demonstrations and were reported to have shouted at and intimidated the asylum seekers. Anti-racism groups also gathered at the centre. 

Penally Camp is used by the Ministry of Defence for training courses, which have been rescheduled or moved to alternative military sites during their use as temporary accommodation. 

The asylum seekers living at Penally barracks attracted Both far right activists, and anti racism groups. Asylum seekers reported being shouted at and intimidated by protesters

The Home Office are now arranging to move the asylum seekers into other accommodation in Wales. They declined to give the location.

The report by the ICIBI said that those living in Napier Barracks would also be moved to new accommodation by April 2, but they were not told where this would be.

However, the Home Office told MailOnline that the site 'will remain in operation in accordance with current needs'.

A spokesperson added: 'Penally has provided safe and secure accommodation for asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute. The site has been good value for money and we are grateful to MoD for temporary use of this site.

'This provided emergency capacity in response to pressures put on the asylum estate during COVID. As those pressures have eased we have decided not to extend emergency planning permission beyond six months. Napier will remain in operation in accordance with current needs.

'The Home Secretary will soon bring forward her plan to fix our broken asylum system and that plan will address the Government’s asylum estate.'