Despite Oxford Labour backing a motion in 2022 denouncing plans to re-open Campsfield by the then Tory Government, now that Labour are in power they intend to reopen Campsfield themselves.
The Greens have consistently argued against the cruel, costly, inefficient and wholly unnecessary detention of individuals going through the the asylum process, and here in Oxford we are appalled and disappointed by Labour’s U-turn.
This October we will be tabling a motion demanding the Labour-run Oxford City Council distances itself from any attempts to re-open Campsfield, and writes to central government insisting they abandon the flawed and inhumane policy of detaining asylum seekers.
Councillor Alex Powell says “Oxford is a city of sanctuary and its residents have a proud history of standing up for refugees. The only way to stop lives being lost in the English Channel is to open up safe and legal routes for people seeking sanctuary.
“The reopening of Campsfield House is a hangover of the kind of cruelty we all hoped we had said goodbye to after 14 years of Conservative rule. We must all keep fighting to avoid a re-opening of this cruel institution.”