Hundreds more migrants sent to ex-RAF camp

A FORMER RAF base now used to house migrants is to expand by more than 50% following the surge in illegal small-boat crossings this year.

- By Lotti O'Brien

The Home Office confirmed its plan yesterday despite Sir Keir Starmer vowing before last year’s general election that he would close the camp.

It means the former RAF Wethersfield near Braintree, Essex, will accommodate 1,225 asylum seekers instead of the 800 it does now.

The extra beds will be used to help manage short-term pressures across the wider asylum accommodation estate, the Home Office said.