MOD Bicester Site A

Public Statement

Bicester Town Council expresses its deep disappointment at the failure of the Home Secretary and the Home Office to acknowledge or respond to formal correspondence concerning the proposed asylum accommodation centre at MOD Bicester Site A.

On 14th July 2026, Bicester Town Council wrote to the Home Secretary setting out its formal holding position and requesting detailed information on the proposal to accommodate up to 1,250 single adult male asylum seekers at the site. A further letter on 27th July 2026 outlined additional concerns raised by Town Councillors, including planning and site suitability, infrastructure capacity, access and transport, community safety, environmental impacts, consultation with neighbouring communities, and other material issues. In both letters the Council requested a substantive response by 1 August 2026. That deadline has now passed. As of today, neither the Home Office nor the Home Secretary has acknowledged receipt of the correspondence or provided any reply.

The proposal is of major significance to residents of Bicester and the surrounding villages. Local democratic representatives have a clear duty to seek clarity and to represent the legitimate concerns of the communities they serve. A failure by central government even to confirm that correspondence has been received undermines confidence in the process and prevents informed local scrutiny.

Bicester Town Council remains committed to constructive engagement. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will pursue a response through all appropriate channels. We urge the Home Secretary and the Home Office to provide the information requested without further delay and to enter into genuine dialogue with the Town Council, Cherwell District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, and the wider community before any further decisions are taken.

Copies of the correspondence sent to the Home Secretary are available on the Bicester Town Council website.

Bicester Town Council