MOD Bicester asylum camp letter suggests work has begun

The letter sent out last week dated Thursday, June 25, 2026, was sent to “serving personnel and family members” – it says 270 places should be provided at MOD Bicester A-site by the end of the year, and “arrangements involve the transfer of the former disused storage site with immediate effect”.

The following day, the Home Office announced it would seek planning permission to use land off the B3011 towards Piddington and Bullingdon Prison, but did not confirm how it would obtain this permission.

The letter said: “The MOD has carefully considered the implications for service personnel, their families and local defence activity, and is putting in place appropriate measures to ensure the continued safety, cohesion, security and wellbeing of our community.

“This includes a welfare desk now in operation on site, alongside ongoing routine perimeter checks by on-site teams.

“Further security enhancements, delivered by Mitie, will continue to be reviewed to ensure a consistent and appropriate level of protection.”

MOD Bicester (Image: Ed Nix)

Mitie is a private immigration removal centre provider which runs the controversial Campsfield Detention Centre.

Previously, a spokesperson for the Home Office said the department “engaged” local authorities ahead of the announcement and “no final decisions” will happen without “necessary arrangements, assessments and approvals”.

Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris said “asylum hotels” have been closed as asylum seekers are moved to ex-military sites.