Piddington Plans Legal Challenge Over Asylum Site

More than 1,200 detained asylum seekers are slated for accommodation at an Oxfordshire military site, prompting parish officials to warn that ministers must prepare for legal action.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner greenlit the MoD Bicester site development after the Home Office utilized an accelerated pathway reserved for critical projects of national significance. Opponents have six weeks to challenge the decision.

Ministers should “absolutely” be ready for a legal challenge, parish council chairman Tim McNally said.

National demand for asylum accommodation remains high, according to a government report that noted the decision received 3,177 representations against and one in support. The permission allows for the demolition of existing buildings, the construction of new modular accommodation, and provisions for health and welfare facilities.

During an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, McNally mentioned that the community might also invoke the upcoming Hillsborough Law. When enacted, this legislation will establish a legally binding duty of candour that mandates public bodies and officials to behave openly during inquiries and investigations.

McNally told the programme: “Last night, [Prime Minister] Andy Burnham was on a podium talking about the violence, sexual violence towards women, and bringing it upon the media industry as their responsibility to manage. But the reality is, is that this is exactly what the government is doing to us here.”

Asked how the village would respond, he said:

“There’s going to be many actions, you will see. We will disclose that as we move forward.”

He added: “Today is a day of reflection, and we’ll work out where we plan to go from this point. But I will say, the Hillsborough Law is there for a reason, and we’re going to apply it.”

Asked if ministers should be braced for a legal challenge, he said: “Absolutely, absolutely.”

Piddington symbolically voted to leave the UK in September over the planned use for the site. Last month, the group Wrong Plan Wrong Site appealed for a judicial review into the proposals.

Defence minister Luke Pollard said the government would continue to engage with the community.