Council leader's tour of asylum centre reveals extensive facilities

Essex County Council leader Peter Harris has described the asylum accommodation at RAF Wethersfield, a former RAF base, as "more akin to a holiday camp" following a tour of the site. Harris was granted access by the Home Office and conducted the visit alongside his deputy council leader, later discussing his findings on GB News.

During the tour, Harris said he observed full-sized football pitches, fully equipped gymnasiums, fitness rooms, and an internal sports hall used for cricket and basketball. He also mentioned that martial arts training was offered at the facility, noting that a UFC fighter was among the residents. Harris described seeing young men engaged in weight training, and praised the facilities as "fantastic" and something that "many sports clubs would love to have right the way through the country."

In addition to the sports amenities, Harris detailed dining rooms offering a choice of menus and fresh food. He described the living accommodation as having two or three beds per room, with newer units being "brand spanking new." The council leader also reported a medical centre staffed by GPs and nurses that asylum seekers could access at any time.

Discrepancy in numbers

Harris reported that there were 800 migrants on site, but he said he only saw about 150 during his visit. He was told that the others were in their rooms because they get up late, and that many were bussed into town. Harris arrived at 9:30am but was not let in until 10am, and he noted that some migrants were still in bed. He added that all the migrants he encountered were on their mobile phones.

In a separate appearance on GB News, Harris described the facility as having gymnasiums, an internal large sports hall, fitness room, pool, table tennis, squash courts, two restaurants, and a snack bar. He said, "It can only be described as a holiday camp," and called it "a really great area" to chill out or have a really good time.

The comments have drawn attention to the conditions at the site, with Harris expressing being "aghast" at what he saw. His remarks highlight a contrast between the amenities provided and typical expectations for asylum accommodation, though the Home Office has not yet commented on the specifics of his account.