Scottish ministers left with 'unanswered questions' over UK asylum plans

Scottish ministers have been left with “unanswered questions” over the UK Government’s plans to house asylum seekers in a Highland military barracks.

Scotland’s social justice secretary met with the UK asylum minister on Monday to discuss the use of Cameron Barracks in Inverness.

The Highland Council said it was notified last week that the site would be used to house around 300 asylum seekers on a phased basis from December for up to a year.

The move is part of the Government’s efforts to end the use of asylum hotels, which a parliamentary committee branded “failed, chaotic and expensive”.

Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex has also been earmarked for use.

Shirley-Anne Somerville previously said she was “deeply concerned” by the lack of engagement from the UK Government ahead of announcing its plans to house asylum seekers in the Highlands.

A spokesman for the First Minister previously claimed that Scottish ministers were aware of the intention to potentially use Cameron Barracks, but had not been told of a final decision before the announcement.

Following a meeting on Monday, Somerville said Scotland was still in need of “urgent clarification”.

“I was disappointed to still be left with unanswered questions following a meeting with Alex Norris on the Home Office’s plans to use Cameron Barracks to house people seeking asylum,” she 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.

“The Home Office must provide urgent clarity to stop the spread of disinformation amongst communities in Inverness.”

Somerville added: “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.”

Following the announcement, Highland Council said it had concerns about “community cohesion” and planned to hold a special meeting next week to discuss the issue, with the barracks expected to be in use in early December.

In a joint statement, council convener Bill Lobban, leader Raymond Bremner and opposition leader Alasdair Christie said: “Our main concern is the impact this proposal will have on community cohesion given the scale of the proposals as they currently stand.

“Inverness is a relatively small community, but the potential impact locally and across the wider Highlands appears not to have been taken into consideration by the UK Government.”