Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has called for the Government to publish the evidence and costs behind plans to reopen RAF Linton-on-Ouse as asylum accommodation.
The Liberal Democrat MP backed two amendments which would require the Home Office to publish a suitability assessment and full breakdown of costs before using large accommodation sites.
The amendments, tabled by fellow Liberal Democrat Calum Miller, were defeated by eight votes to six during a Public Bill Committee debate on the Immigration and Asylum Bill, despite support from Conservative committee members.
The Linton-on-Ouse proposal would see around 1,250 single adult men accommodated beside a village of roughly 600 people.
Mr Gordon raised concerns about limited public transport, access to healthcare and the capacity of the site's water, sewerage, drainage and electricity infrastructure.
He said much of the infrastructure had been stripped out since a previous Home Office plan was abandoned in 2022.
Tom Gordon said:
“Nobody is questioning the Government's duty to house people seeking asylum. What we are questioning is whether Linton-on-Ouse is the right place to do it – and on every measure, it isn't.
“An isolated site with failing infrastructure, little transport and limited access to healthcare doesn't work for local residents, and it doesn't work for the people who would be sent there. It doesn't work for anyone.
“These amendments ask two simple things. If a site is suitable, publish the evidence. If it's value for money, publish the costs. Public money has already been spent on this site once, in 2022, before the plan was abandoned.
"Taxpayers deserve to know what was spent, what more it would cost, and how it compares with the alternatives.”
North Yorkshire Council passed a unanimous, cross-party resolution opposing the proposal in July.
Mr Gordon also joined MPs from across North Yorkshire and York in supporting the council leader's letter to the Minister.
York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith has also opposed the location.
During the debate, Mr Gordon challenged the Minister over the decision to pursue the plans despite opposition from local representatives.
He added:
“This is about responsible decision-making and proper scrutiny of public money. Local communities shouldn't be left dealing with the consequences of decisions they've had no say in.
"Today, Government MPs voted down a simple, cross-party request to publish the evidence and the costs.
"If this site genuinely stands up to scrutiny, there should be nothing to hide. I will keep pushing for this transparency as the Bill progresses.”
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