A Liberal Democrat politician representing Bicester and Woodstock has escalated calls for clarity from the Government regarding proposals to establish an asylum reception facility at a Ministry of Defence installation in Oxfordshire.
Calum Miller brought the matter before Parliament on September 1, directing his challenge toward Andy Burnham and accusing ministers of concealing particulars about the scheme from affected communities.
The MP emphasised that inhabitants of the surrounding area had received no substantive information despite official statements characterising the submission as requiring immediate attention.
In comments delivered during the session, Miller highlighted that officials had designated the proposal as urgent 55 days previously, yet documentation remained unpublished and shrouded in secrecy.
He formally requested that the application be withdrawn and that full details be released to permit proper examination by local stakeholders and elected representatives.
Burnham responded by pledging to examine the submission thoroughly before offering any substantive remarks.
The Prime Minister committed to reviewing all aspects of the planning request and returning to the chamber with a comprehensive assessment once that process had concluded.
Following the exchange, Miller has submitted five additional parliamentary questions pertaining to the Home Office initiative, bringing his total interventions on the matter to approximately 50.
These recent inquiries seek information regarding outstanding technical assessments, the frequency with which the accelerated Crown Development procedure has been employed, the anticipated timeline for releasing the application and its supporting rationale, details of any contracts already allocated, and the amount of public expenditure already incurred.
A Government response is anticipated by September 4.
Conservative MP Greg Smith for Mid Buckinghamshire likewise voiced apprehension during the parliamentary proceedings.
He referenced specific communities situated along the Oxfordshire boundary, naming Ludgershall, Marsh Gibbon, Oakley, Long Crendon, Boarstall and Brill, and appealed to the Prime Minister to visit the locality and witness firsthand why the proposed facility would represent an unsuitable addition at the MOD Bicester location.
Burnham recognised the legitimacy of concerns raised by residents of Piddington while maintaining that immigration matters required a nationwide response.
He contended that the burden of accommodating asylum seekers ought not to be concentrated disproportionately upon the most economically challenged regions of the country, arguing that equilibrium must be achieved in a manner that distributes responsibility equitably across all areas.
After the parliamentary discussion, Piddington Parish Council chairperson Tim McNally voiced criticism of Burnham through social media, accusing him of repeatedly addressing the topic without demonstrating adequate comprehension of the underlying complexities.
McNally additionally cast doubt upon the appropriateness of the proposed location, noting that MOD Bicester Site A continues to operate for military purposes and expressing apprehension regarding its continuing function in armed forces exercises and broader defence obligations.