UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has been found to have acted unlawfully by accommodating asylum seekers at the former RAF Wethersfield base, described as “prison-like,” the High Court has ruled.
In a scathing judgment, the court found that the government breached the law by failing to assess the impact of housing vulnerable asylum seekers—including those with disabilities or special needs—at the site.
The ruling also determined that the government remains in violation of the Equality Act by neglecting its duties to migrants requiring additional support.
Charity Calls for RAF Wethersfield Closure
The refugee charity Care4Calais has demanded the closure of RAF Wethersfield following the ruling, branding the site unsuitable for those seeking sanctuary in the UK.
The facility, originally opened by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and later overseen by James Cleverly and Yvette Cooper, has faced significant criticism.
Chief executive Steve Smith welcomed the judgment, stating: “Today’s ruling confirms what we have long argued—Wethersfield is entirely unsuitable for housing vulnerable asylum seekers. The mental despair inflicted on residents, including self-harm, depression, and anxiety, is deeply concerning.”
“The government has now been found to have broken the law by placing survivors of torture and modern slavery in this camp.”
Smith urged the government to follow the precedent set by the closure of the Bibby Stockholm migrant barge and shut down Wethersfield immediately.
“Everyone seeking safety in the UK deserves to be housed in communities, not camps.”
Government Faces Setback in Asylum Policy
The ruling poses a challenge to the government’s efforts to reduce hotel use for asylum seekers, as closing Wethersfield would increase accommodation costs and complicate its migration strategy.
Care4Calais launched legal action against the Conservative government in 2023, arguing that the base functions as a de facto detention centre rather than a temporary housing facility.
While the government initially planned to accommodate up to 1,700 asylum seekers, only 580 currently remain on-site, with restrictions on their movement.
