A Statement from the Leader of Rother District Council, Councillor Doug Oliver.

Earlier this month Rother District Council decided to intervene in an appeal by Braintree District Council against the High Court’s decision to not grant an injunction to stop the Home Office’s proposals to provide accommodation for asylum seekers at Wethersfield Airfield. I am disappointed to let you know that the Braintree appeal was lost. You can read the full judgement here Braintree District Council -v- Secretary of State for the Home Department – Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

I can also confirm that we have had now had a reply from Home Office in response to our letter sent to the Home Secretary on 7 June. I’m afraid there is no new information to share with you, but the letter did confirm that the site at Northeye is still a proposal, no decision has been made as to the use of the site, the numbers or who might be accommodated, and no date has been set for a final decision. We will continue to engage with the Home Office to seek further clarification and are keeping our legal options open.

We will of course continue to keep the community updated and update our webpage with any new information. Northeye – Rother District Council.

Published: 30th June 2023