News
29 SEPTEMBER 2026
Don’s Blog: Preview of the Inquiry
Public Inquiry delayed
Don Redding, 29 September 2026
The Public Inquiry into Campsfield Expansion, which was due to open on Tuesday, 6th October, has been delayed.
The Inspector chairing the Inquiry announced the postponement on Friday 25th September.
It follows a letter from lawyers acting pro bono on behalf of the Coalition to Close Campsfield (CCC), requesting that the Home Office should publish more material relating to its planning application to expand the Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) from 160 to around 400 places.
Large parts of the material supporting the application have been withheld or redacted, and we argue that without these, proper public scrutiny is not possible.
Further legal challenge
The main participants in the Inquiry will be the Home Office and Cherwell District Council. But CCC will also be there, as the only outside party acting as a core participant, along with the Home Office and Cherwell District Council.
This means we can:
- Submit a ‘statement of case’ – our evidence as to why the application should be challenged
- Prepare and call expert witnesses
- Be present throughout the Inquiry, and
- Cross examine other parties on their evidence.
While our solicitors are acting without a fee, we also need specialist barristers to prepare the case and advocate at the Inquiry.
We’re going to need money to run this case, so watch out for news of essential fundraising activities, coming soon.
Recap: what is the Inquiry and why is it important
This public inquiry will be a landmark moment in the contested history of Campsfield House, but also and in the implementation of the government’s immigration detention policy.
Since coming to power in 2024 the government has ramped up the numbers of people being removed from the UK – some 50,000 by December last year.
It argues that to achieve more ‘removals’, more detention spaces are needed, aiming to have added 1,000 by 2030.
This reverses the trend, following Sir Stephen Shaw’s reports in 2016 and 2018, to reduce the use of detention and use alternatives. The numbers entering detention each year fell from over 30,000 in 2015 to just under 18,400 in 2023.
There has been no legislation, no parliamentary debate, no scrutiny by select committees, and no local planning process.
Instead, the government is using a new way of doing planning applications – the Crown Development Route, by which one government department says it has a project of ‘national importance’ and another makes the decision yes or no.
In practice, that decision is delegated to the National Planning Inspectorate which, following a mass of objections at the consultation stage, has decided that the Campsfield expansion needs a public inquiry first.
The Inquiry is the first – and possible last – occasion where the Home Office’s argument for many more detention spaces will be publicly scrutinised and tested.
Key issues
The Inspector has set out various issues he wants to cover, two of which are particularly important to CCC. These are: whether the government has successfully demonstrated the need for this application; and the impact of detention on detainees and communities.
Have your say
Anyone who believes they have a relevant point to make can apply to be an ‘interested party’. If accepted, you will be given three minutes to state your case.
You should register to speak by contacting the Planning Inspectorate at crownapplications@planninginspectorate.gov.uk; or, if you are unable to email, call 0303 444 5000.
We know that a number of significant organisations and individuals who oppose the increase in immigration detention are applying to speak.
What’s next?
This is a continuing planning and legal process. All updates and documentation will be posted on the CDO website.
We are now waiting to hear how the chair of the Inquiry will take matters forward with the Home Office, and for a new schedule for the Inquiry to proceed.w schedule for the Inquiry to proceed.
Download Don’s Blog: Preview of the Inquiry: Public Inquiry delayed by Don Redding, 29 September 2026 (PDF)
29 SEPTEMBER 2026
Press release
Campsfield Public Inquiry postponed
The Public Inquiry into Campsfield expansion, which was due to open at the offices of Cherwell District Council in Banbury on Tuesday 6 October, has been postponed.
The Inspector chairing the Inquiry announced the postponement on Friday 25 September.
The postponement follows a letter from lawyers acting pro bono on behalf of the Coalition to Close Campsfield, requesting the Home Office to publish more material relating to its planning application to expand the Immigration Removal Centre from 160 to around 400 places.
Large parts of the material supporting the application had been withheld or redacted. The letter argued that without these, proper public scrutiny is not possible.
Participants in the Inquiry
The main participants in the Inquiry will be the Home Office and Cherwell District Council. The Coalition will also be there, as the only outside party acting as a core participant.
A number of significant organisations and individuals who oppose the increase in immigration detention are likely to speak.
Anyone who believes they have a relevant point to make can apply to the Planning Inspectorate at crownapplications@planninginspectorate.gov.uk or call 0303 444 5000 to be an ‘interested party’. If accepted, they will be given three minutes to state their case.
A landmark moment
This public inquiry will be a landmark moment in the contested history of Campsfield House, but also in the implementation of the government’s immigration detention policy. The government argues that to achieve more ‘removals’, more detention spaces are needed.
This reverses the trend, following Sir Stephen Shaw’s reports in 2016 and 2018, to reduce the use of detention and use alternatives. The numbers entering detention each year fell from over 30,000 in 2015 to just under 18,400 in 2023. A number of centres, including Campsfield, closed.
There has been no legislation, no parliamentary debate, no scrutiny by select committees, and no local planning process to examine the increase in immigration detention.
Instead, the government is using a new way of doing planning applications – the Crown Development route, by which one government department says it has a project of ‘national importance’ and another makes the decision yes or no.
In practice, that decision is delegated to the National Planning Inspectorate which, following a mass of objections at the consultation stage, has decided that the Campsfield expansion needs a public inquiry first.
The Inquiry is the first occasion where the Home Office’s argument for many more detention spaces will be publicly scrutinised and tested. There will also be a Public Inquiry into the expansion of Haslar detention centre at Gosport near Portsmouth.
For updates and documentation, see the Planning Inspectorate website.
Contact:
Catherine Zhou: 07933 878823
Don Redding: 077865 42615
or Bill MacKeith: 01865 558145
Download 29 September 2026 Press release: Campsfield Public Inquiry postponed (PDF)
29 September 2026
Immigration centre expansion inquiry postponed
The government has postponed the public inquiry into plans to more than double the capacity of an immigration removal centre (IRC).
Campsfield near Kidlington, reopened in December after it was shut in 2018 following years of issues, including riots, escapes and complaints about conditions.
The public inquiry into its expansion was due to open at Cherwell District Council in Banbury on 6 October but the Planning Inspectorate announced the postponement on Friday, saying a revised timetable “will be issued in due course”.
Campaign group Coalition to Close Campsfield said that followed their letter, requesting the Home Office publishes more material relating to the planning application.
21 September 2026
Kidlington – Campsfield House ‘intensifies concerns’
A senior county councillor has suggested an immigration detention centre “intensifies concerns” of those objecting.
Neil Fawcett, the deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council, has written to the Planning Inspectorate to formally object to the proposed expansion of Campsfield House near Kidlington.
Campsfield reopened in December 2025 with 160 detention spaces. The Home Office now wants to add another 240, increasing its total capacity to 400.
The authority said it has ‘long been the case’ that it has opposed the use of Campsfield House as an immigration detention centre, backed up by a a motion opposing this in 2022.
The council said the motion reflected “profound concerns about the treatment of people seeking safety and concluded that a reopening would represent a costly, ineffective and regressive approach to immigration policy.”
31 AUGUST 2026
Protesters rally against Oxfordshire immigration centre
Protesters rallied in the rain against an ‘inhumane’ Oxfordshire immigration centre, days after it was revealed that there would be a public inquiry into plans to more than double the facility’s size.
Around 20 people braved the conditions outside Campsfield Immigration Centre on Saturday, August 29, with the key theme being ‘Andy Burnham let local people decide’.
With some live music to cheer spirits, Liz Peretz of the campaign called it a “good, peaceful protest”. Liz said: “It’s heartening to see people of all ages and all walks of life saying locking up people is never the answer.”
28 AUGUST 2026
Government planners have decided to hold a full inquiry into the proposed expansion of Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre
(Top story in The Oxford Clarion Weekend, 28 August 2026)
Government planners have decided to hold a full inquiry into the proposed expansion of Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre, near Kidlington – rather than the lesser options of inviting written representations, or a simple hearing. The Home Office is planning to expand the newly reopened detention centre from 160 to 400 places.
The Coalition to Close Campsfield has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to intervene, writing: “We support your talk of ‘Taking power out of the centre and putting it in the hands of the people and places who can use it best.’ So – let our elected representatives decide! They oppose the reopening and expansion of Campsfield. The Government should respond to the news of the public inquiry by withdrawing its planning application.”
26 AUGUST 2026
Oxfordshire immigration detention expansion to have public inquiry
Plans to more than double the capacity of a controversial Oxfordshire immigration removal centre are set to be decided at a public inquiry following mass local objection.
Proposals to expand Campsfield House, a Home Office detention facility near Kiddlington, to hold up to 400 men are currently being assessed by the Government Planning Inspectorate.
Read more (warning: pay wall may fully or partially block view)
📃 Press release (26 August 2026)
Public Inquiry announced into expansion of Campsfield
Campaigners call on new Prime Minister to drop expansion plan
There will be a Public Inquiry into Government plans to expand Campsfield Immigration detention centre near Kidlington north of Oxford. No date has yet been set. Announcing its decision yesterday, the Planning Inspectorate said:
‘The application will follow the inquiry procedure. The application has generated considerable local interest; some of the issues raised are complex and the evidence would benefit from formal cross-examination.’
Addressing Andrew Burnham, in a statement the Coalition to Close Campsfield said:
‘We say to the new Prime Minister:
‘You have your Makerfield Test. We have our Campsfield Test.
‘We support your talk of “Taking power out of the centre and putting it in the hands of the people and places who can use it best.”
‘So: Let our elected representatives decide!
‘They oppose the reopening and expansion of Campsfield.
‘The government should respond to the news of the Public Inquiry by announcing that it is withdrawing its planning application.’
Note: The over 250 objectors to the proposal include the local Kidlington town, Cherwell District (the planning authority), Oxford City and Oxfordshire County councils and Oxford Trades Union Council, and local MPs Calum Miller (Bicester and Woodstock) and Layla Moran (Oxford West and Abingdon). Many of over 100 Oxfordshire people objecting to the Planning Inspectorate identify as nearby local residents or as workers in the Oxford Technology Park adjacent to Campsfield.
Notable submissions are from Amnesty International UK and from Gentjan Lybeshari, who was imprisoned in Campsfield this year. The main point made in submissions is that the government application fails to demonstrate that expansion is required to address a matter of ‘national importance’. Nearly all submissions address planning issues of the Green Belt, conflict with the Local Plan, and the incompatibility between a high-security prison and the Oxford Technology Park (part of the Oxford to Cambridge growth arc). Objectors claim that key information has been withheld and that the harm detention does is not addressed in the application. They also object to the use of the Crown Development procedure to override the local planning authority.
Contact
- Bill MacKeith bmackeith@gmail.com 01865 558145
- Liz Peretz eaperetz@gmail.com, 077917 38577
Download Press Release (26 August 2026) (PDF)
5 AUGUST 2026
Press release (5 August 2026)
Public demands halt to expansion of detention
Pivotal moment in history of immigration detention
Only 2 of 260 submissions to consultation support expansion of Campsfield
- Government plans to expand immigration detention by 1,000 places – reversing a reform programme that closed four centres and set up successful ‘community-based’ alternatives to detention – have been roundly rejected by the public in a Planning Inspectorate consultation.
- Objectors to the proposal to expand Campsfield immigration detention centre in Kidlington north Oxford from 160 to 400 places include the local Kidlington town, Cherwell District (the planning authority), Oxford City and Oxfordshire County councils and Oxford Trades Union Council, and local MPs Calum Miller (Bicester and Woodstock) and Layla Moran (Oxford West and Abingdon).
- Many of over 100 Oxfordshire people objecting to the Planning Inspectorate identify as nearby local residents or as workers in the Oxford Technology Park adjacent to Campsfield.
- Notable submissions are from Amnesty International UK and René Cassin, from Gentjan Lybeshari, who was imprisoned in Campsfield this year and gives a damning indictment of both the system and the treatment he received personally, the Association of Visitors to immigration Detainees, and, jointly, the local Coalition to Close Campsfield and Right To Remain.
Key points made in submissions
- The main point made in submissions is that the government application fails to demonstrate that expansion is required to address a matter of ‘national importance’. Nearly all submissions address planning issues of the Green Belt, conflict with the Local Plan, and the incompatibility between a high-security prison and the Oxford Technology Park (part of the Oxford to Cambridge growth arc).
- Objectors claim that key information has been withheld and that the harm detention does is not addressed in the application.
- Coalition to Close Campsfield spokesperson Bill MacKeith said:
‘The Crown Development route used by government to impose the expansion of Campsfield to 400 places (and Haslar in Gosport to 600) is unacceptable. We demand that the Planning Inspectorate rejects the application. Failing that, it should refer the matter to a public inquiry for proper scrutiny. - Report on submissions made to the Planning Inspectorate re Campsfield
Contact
- Bill MacKeith bmackeith@gmail.com 01865 558145
- Liz Peretz eaperetz@gmail.com, 077917 38577
Download Press Release (5 August 2026) (PDF)
Report on Submissions
- Download report on submissions made to the Planning Inspectorate re Campsfield
2 AUGUST 2026
Campsfield, Oxfordshire ‘former detainee’ speaks out
A ‘former detainee’ of the controversial Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) has spoken out as plans move forward to more than double its capacity.
Read more (warning: pay wall may fully or partially block view)
1 AUGUST 2026
How the Home Office bypassed local councils to expand two immigration centres
The Conservatives proposed plans to reopen the centres but these are being carried out under Andy Burnham’s administration
The Home Office has proposed a massive expansion of two immigration detention centres, bypassing local councils through fast-tracked planning applications.
Campaigners said they were “shocked” and “depressed” by the news that the Home Office wanted to reopen and expand a previously closed centre and more than double the beds at another that reopened last year.
Haslar Immigration Removal Centre in Gosport was closed in 2015, a few years after inspectors described it as “the worst accommodation in the immigration estate”. Now, the Home Office wants to reopen and redevelop the facility, more than quadrupling the number of beds from 130 to 600, making it one of the biggest immigration detention centres in Europe, just behind Harmondsworth in Heathrow.
At the same time, a consultation has just closed on the Home Office’s plan to scale Campsfield House IRC in Oxfordshire from 160 beds to 400. The centre was brought back into use in December after previously shutting down due to years of issues including riots.
Read more (warning: pay wall may fully or partially block view)
25 JULY 2026
Campsfield – Oxfordshire expansion ‘unprecedented’ debate
Cherwell District Council planning committee held a debate on Thursday, July 23, on the Home Office’s plans to more than double the number of spaces at Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), but did not have typical local authority powers to reject the proposal.
Campsfield House has seen repeated protests, including hunger strikes, a closure and reopening, with human rights campaigners warning it “rips apart families and destroys lives” and alleging detainee “slave labour”.
In 2024, ahead of its reopening, Cherwell passed a motion calling Campsfield House “a stain on our district” – it called on the Government to “abandon ” its plans and “develop a more humane migration policy”.
Read more (warning: pay wall may fully or partially block view)
7 JUNE 2026
Immigration centre expansion plans progress
Plans to more than double the capacity of an immigration removal centre have been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.
Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) near Kidlington in Oxfordshire, reopened in December after it was shut in 2018 following years of problems, including riots, escapes and complaints about conditions.
The Home Office is proposing to increase the centre’s capacity from 160 bed spaces to 400, as well as the conversion of existing buildings.
Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, said he was disappointed it had decided to “bypass local planning” and the “voice of local people”.
3 JUNE 2026
Protest over Oxfordshire immigration centre detainee wages
Dozens of protesters gathered outside an Oxfordshire immigration removal centre on Saturday, raising concerns over what they describe as “slave labour” wages paid to detainees.
The Coalition to Close Campsfield marched to the entrance of Campsfield House in Kidlington, holding colourful handmade placards and banners.
The group criticised pay rates to time-served foreign national offenders and immigration offenders of £1 per hour for routine tasks and £1.25 for authorised project work, including cleaning.
28 FEBRUARY 2026
Students join protest outside re-opened Campsfield House
The Cherwell reported on the protest at Campsfield House IRC on 28 February:
Students from the University of Oxford society Student Action For Refugees (STAR) today joined a protest outside Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, calling for its closure.
The protest, comprising around 40 people, was divided into two groups: one demonstrating on the road outside the Campsfield House site, and one standing just outside the IRC gates on the site grounds. Protesters held banners reading ‘Immigration detention: what a cruel invention’, and chanted “shame on you” at police arriving at the scene.
23 FEBRUARY 2026
Coalition Press Release
‘People are not tokens to be traded’ – ‘Boycott Air France!’ – ‘End detention!’
Campaigners call for ‘One-In-One-Out’ scheme to be axed
Local people believe that people arriving on small boats across the Channel are being imprisoned in the newly reopened Campsfield immigration detention centre near Kidlington. The Coalition to Close Campsfield calls for the UK/France ‘One-In-One-Out’ deal under which people are being deported to France, to be scrapped. The agreement allows one asylum seeker to travel to the UK legally in exchange for another, who arrived in the UK in a small boat, being forcibly returned to France.
A High Court challenge has been launched by people directly affected, arguing that the policy breaches modern slavery protections and puts trafficking survivors at risk. The UN has also urged both governments to suspend the scheme, warning that some enforcement practices could amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and may breach the UN Convention Against Torture and the Refugee Convention.
The Guardian (19.02.26) reports that 28 refugee and human rights NGOs on both sides of the Channel have written to airlines involved with deportation flights – Air France, Titan Airways, AlbaStar Airlines and Corendon Airlines accusing them of ‘complicity in cruel and forced deportations including of victims of torture, trafficking and modern slavery’, and calling for a boycott of Air France.
In addition, new rules will force people to wait longer for settled status. As people likely to be affected have said:
“Now we face the mental health impact of potentially decades in limbo, not knowing whether we are going to be granted leave to remain. These proposals don’t just delay paperwork; they delay lives, hopes, and dreams.” (Source: 38 Degrees petition)
Griff Ferris, spokesperson for the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, said:
“This deportation scheme is a sick and dehumanising way to treat people who came here to seek safety from war and persecution. These are people with hopes, dreams and loved ones, who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.“
Coalition supporter Bill MacKeith said:
“Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is bending to the will of the racists in the Reform Party. The government cannot win by showing it is tough on migration – Reform and racists will always outbid them. Everyone is entitled to justice and humanity, not harsh treatment.“
Former detainee:
“While I was at Campsfield, I saw many people struggle to cope with depression and a system designed to break people down. You are treated as if you are a risk to society when all you are trying to do is reach safety and build a life.”
5 DECEMBER 2025
BBC Radio Oxford
BBC Radio Oxford’s Sophie Law spoke to Hari Reed, co-director of Oxford’s Asylum Welcome refugee support charity, and Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester and Woodstock, about the re-opening of Campsfield House immigration detention centre on 5 December (7-minute audio clip).
5 DECEMBER 2025
Clarion Weekend, 5 December 2025: Top stories
The immigration removal centre at Campsfield House reopened on Wednesday. Campaigners protested in Kidlington and Oxford, with 50 people gathering at Carfax in what organisers described as “a sombre event, a kind of vigil”.
3 DECEMBER 2025
‘Campsfield House rips apart families’ say protestors
Protestors have said an Oxfordshire immigration centre “rips apart families and destroys lives” following its return.
Campsfield House in Kidlington was closed in 2018 but reopened this year, with the first asylum seekers from other detention centres being brought there yesterday.
4 DECEMBER 2025
Protests against immigration detention centre reopening
Protests ahead of the arrival of the first detainees at a reopened immigration removal centre have taken place.
Campsfield House, near Oxford Airport, was shut in 2018 after years of problems, including riots, escapes and complaints about conditions.
22 NOVEMBER 2025
Students join demonstration to keep Campsfield House immigration detention centre closed
Approximately 50 protesters staged a demonstration outside the Campsfield House immigration detention centre in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, [on Saturday] afternoon.
Read more
22 NOVEMBER 2025
Protesters oppose immigration centre reopening
“The people of Oxfordshire have made their voices clear, and will continue to do so, that refugees are welcome here. This is meant to be a city of sanctuary. Campsfield is the opposite of sanctuary,” Emma Jones, on behalf of the Coalition to Keep Campsfield Closed.
Read more
Written Questions to Parliament about Campsfield House by Kidlington MP
Keep up with written questions about Campsfield House which Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, has put to Parliament, and what answers he has got from ministers.
Questions to Parliament by local MP about Campsfield House, with answers from ministers
4 SEPTEMBER 2025
‘A lot of questions’ over immigration centre plans
Residents still have “a lot of questions” about proposals for the reopening of a controversial immigration centre, as the local MP point out.
Read more
29 AUGUST 2025
Amnesty International UK (Moseley, Balsall Heath & Kings Heath group): Resources for letter writing actions supporting the ‘Keep Campsfield Closed’ campaign
Campsfield House, originally built as a prison, closed in 2018 after 25 years of detaining individuals without trial, often in inhumane and harmful conditions. The government now plans to reopen many detention centres, including Campsfield House. As a local group, we support both the Keep Campsfield Closed petition and contacting local MPS to urge for action on this issue.
Read more
28 AUGUST 2025
Bishop of Oxford slams Farage’s immigration proposals
The Bishop of Oxford has called Nigel Farage ‘deeply disturbing’ in response to the party leader’s immigration policy launch in Kidlington.
Read more
27 AUGUST 2025
Oxfordshire MP slams Nigel Farage for ‘sowing division’
An Oxfordshire MP has slammed Nigel Farage for ‘sowing division’ after the Reform UK party leader launched proposals in Oxfordshire to deport 600,000 asylum seekers.
Read more
7 JULY 2025
Immigration centre to reopen under same management
Campsfield House, near Kidlington, Oxfordshire, was operated by Facilities management company Mitie but shut in 2018 after years of problems, including riots, escapes and complaints about conditions.
Shockingly, Mitie has been awarded a new six-year contract to run the same facility again.
Read more
13 JUNE 2025
Revamp plans for controversial Campsfield House ‘shocking’
Plans for a £70 million revamp of a controversial immigration removal centre in Oxfordshire have been branded ‘shocking’ by an MP.
Read more
6 APRIL 2025
Labour wants to reopen a controversial refugee detention centre – but people are fighting back
After 25 years of local and national protests, Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, closed in December 2018.
So campaigners were heartbroken when Boris Johnson announced plans to reopen it.
Read more
27 MARCH 2025
Amnesty International UK (Chipping Norton group): Immigration Detention
We have been learning more about Campsfield House in nearby Kidlington… It is currently undergoing refurbishment and expansion in preparation for reopening as an Immigration Removal Centre… in spite of strong opposition from local politicians and members of the public.
Read more
28 DECEMBER 2024
Campsfield House: A turbulent 2024 for controversial centre
It has been a turbulent year for people campaigning against the reopening of a former immigration centre in Kidlington.
Read more
13 NOVEMBER 2024
New year, new detention centre
Half an hour north of central Oxford, you’ll find two neighbouring but disparate developments. On one side, a £4 billion state-of-the-art science area. On the other, Campsfield Detention Centre: a £70 million facility for 400 immigration detainees.
The hypocrisy is glaring.
Read more
22 OCTOBER 2024
Campsfield House: Cherwell District Council backs motion
Cherwell District Council is the latest local authority to condemn the government over its plans to reopen a controversial immigration centre.
Read more
8 OCTOBER 2024
Immigration centre reopening opposed by council
The government’s plans to reopen a controversial immigration detention centre have been formally opposed by a council.
Read more
3 OCTOBER 2024
Campsfield House: Green Party urges civic chiefs to act
The Green Party is urging civic chiefs to put pressure on the government over its plans to re-open a controversial immigration centre near Oxford.
Read more
1 SEPTEMBER 2024
Labour’s plan to reopen immigrant detention centres will be disastrous
Gee Manoharan says the government should pivot towards community-based alternatives that uphold British values of humanity and justice.
Read more
22 AUGUST 2024
Fury at plans to reopen Campsfield House
Protesters gathered in Oxford to voice anger and disappointment over Labour’s plans to reopen Campsfield House in nearby Kidlington.
Read more
22 AUGUST 2024
Anger at plan to reopen immigration detention centre
Politicians and campaigners have said they are “angry” and “disappointed” over plans to reopen a controversial immigration detention centre.
Read more
21 AUGUST 2024
Immigration detention centres to re-open in removals drive
The new Labour government wants to achieve the highest rate of removals since Theresa May’s premiership in 2018.
Read more
21 AUGUST 2024
‘History of abuse’: Home Office urged to reconsider plans to re-open detention centres
Home secretary Yvette Cooper has been urged to reconsider plans to reopen two immigration detention centres as part of a push to achieve the highest rate of removals since 2018.
Read more
23 JULY 2024
Bicester MP urges plans for Campsfield House to be paused
The MP for Bicester and Woodstock has asked the Home Secretary to pause and reconsider the planned reopening of a controversial immigration centre in a village near Oxford.
Read more
12 JUNE 2024
Company awarded £70m contract to revamp detention centre
Galliford Try has been awarded a £70m contract to revamp an immigration removal centre that shut in 2018.
Read more
12 JUNE 2024
Campsfield Immigration Centre to reopen through Home Office
Campsfield Immigration detention centre set to reopen after the Home Office awarded a £70 million contract to Galliford Try.
Read more
2 FEBRUARY 2024
Immigration centre extension plan sparks concern
There have been renewed calls for the government not to reopen an immigration removal centre after it submitted plans for an extension.
Read more
27 NOVEMBER 2023
Protest to keep immigration centre near Oxford shut ahead of reopening
Around 50 protesters gathered outside Campsfield near Oxford which is set to reopen under government plans..
Read more
27 NOVEMBER 2023
Protesters oppose Campsfield immigration centre reopening
More than 50 protesters have gathered at the former Campsfield immigration detention centre in Kidlington after government plans to reopen the location.
Read more
26 NOVEMBER 2023
Campsfield: Protesters gather at immigration detention centre
A protest was held at Campsfield Detention Centre following government plans to reopen.
Read more
17 JUNE 2023
Oxford University students protest against immigration centre reopening
More than 140 students and staff from the University of Oxford have released a letter protesting against the reopening of an immigration centre.
Read more
16 JUNE 2023
ITV News Coverage
On Friday 16th June demonstrators gathered at Radcliffe Camera in Oxford to protest the reopening of Campsfield House Detention Centre. It also coincided with the launch of an open letter opposing the plans signed by more than 140 students and staff from Oxford University.
16 JUNE 2023
Oxford students protest against detention centre re-opening
Students have committed to challenging the re-opening of a “de-humanising” detention centre in Oxfordshire after over 140 academics and student bodies at Oxford University signed an open letter to the Home Office.
Read more
4 APRIL 2023
Oxford MP condemns plans to re-open ‘cruel’ migrant centre
The re-opening of a “cruel” immigration centre should be “halted”, an Oxford MP has said.
Read more
11 OCTOBER 2022
Campsfield House detention centre reopening opposed by Oxfordshire council
A council leader will write to the Home Secretary urging her to stop the reopening of a detention centre.
Read more
30 SEPTEMBER 2022
Statement on the Reopening of Campsfield IRC
Many of you will have seen the news yesterday announcing the government’s plan to reopen Campsfield House as an immigration removal centre.
The announcement very much fits with the policy of treating asylum seekers as illegal immigrants that has been provided for in the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 that we all fought so hard to oppose.
Read more
29 SEPTEMBER 2022
Protests Against The Re-opening of Campsfield House IRC
On 21st September, the Home Office announced that it was inviting prospective bidders to visit the Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre on the 29th September, with a mind to reopen the centre in order to detain male asylum seekers. They were met by a protest by local campaigners of the Coalition to Keep Campsfield Closed, who held signs reading “Shame of profits made from misery” and “Local people say no to Campsfield”.
Read more
26 SEPTEMBER 2022
Layla Moran urges Government ditch Campsfield House plans
An Oxford MP has urged the government to keep an immigration removal centre (IRC) at the site of the former Campsfield House closed.
Read more
23 SEPTEMBER 2022
Layla Moran MP takes the fight to Parliament
Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran secured an adjournment debate in the House of Commons on the reopening of Campsfield to which she is strongly opposed.
View the debate
16 JULY 2022
Protests held in Oxford over plans to open immigration centre on Campsfield House site
Protestors gathered in Bonn Square to protest against plans by the Home Office to open an immigration centre on the Campsfield House site.
1 JULY 2022
Campsfield House: Council leader says immigration centre ‘dehumanises refugees’
The reopening of an immigration detention centre would be “inhumane”, councillors have said.
Read more
28 JUNE 2022
Plans to open immigration centre on old site are ‘disgraceful’, MP says
The former Campsfield House immigration removal centre near Oxford is to become a 400-bed detention site for men.
Read more
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