MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire and Welsh secretary of state Simon Hart has stated that the Home Office’s handling of the situation at Penally camp in not providing interested parties with clearer information at the start with regards to the repurposing of the facility as an accommodation site for asylum seekers has added to an already difficult situation.

The controversial decision has led to a number of protests and demonstrations outside the military camp, and criticism of the Home Office over a lack of consultation with the community and stakeholders such as Pembrokeshire County Council, the Hywel Dda Health Board and Dyfed Powys Police. A further protest is due to be held outside the camp tomorrow (Saturday) morning.

In an update given today, Mr. Hart has told his constituents that he is still awaiting answers on a number of additional important points from the Home Office, but has moved to clarify some questions that have been put to him on the matter.

“It is quite clear that whatever views people hold on this difficult subject no one, including the asylum seekers, believes the current situation to be satisfactory,” stated Mr. Hart.

“The decision by the Home Office not to provide interested parties with clearer information at the start has added to an already difficult situation – a fact that they readily acknowledge.

“As we also know the Home Office does hold extensive powers when it comes to asylum seekers but it cannot override Covid regulations or our legal obligations as far as human rights are concerned.

“As a country we have established an international reputation, not as a “soft touch” as some would claim, but for following international norms in a humane and compassionate way. I know that our county, and especially the service personnel from whom this camp has been temporarily loaned, take this responsibility very seriously.

“The Home Office remain adamant, at least for now, that even with a longer period of local consultation the decision to use Penally would have remained. However it accepts that the manner in which this was dealt with has made some of the uglier scenes more inevitable,” he continued.

In information provided by the Home Office, Mr. Hart states that occupants of the camp which currently stands at approximately 82 (which could increase to a maximum of 234) are not in receipt of asylum support (which is £37 per week) as all their needs (food/accommodation etc) are being met on site.

Occupants have to sign in and out of the camp and are asked to return to site by 10 pm. If they are not back by then, they are contacted via mobile phone for what the Home Office describe as “a safeguarding check, and reminded of the expectation that they spend the night on site.”

The Home Office has confirmed that there are no female asylum seekers but there are female support workers and staff on site.

“I have asked repeatedly about the reimbursement of costs to Dyfed-Powys Police (DPP) and Hywel Dda Health Board (HDHB) and will publish a reply once received,” continued Mr. Hart.

“A meeting was due to take place between the Home Office and Dyfed-Powys Police yesterday (Thursday) about extra police funding. Negotiations are continuing between Hywel Dda Health Board and the Home Office as to who is providing and funding healthcare.

“The Home Office has committed to paying full business rates for the site during its time there. I have asked Pembrokeshire County Council if they have made a bid for funding and to set out what costs they might incur over and above anything that might be covered by business rates on the site,” he added.

The Home Office has stated that there is a multi faith room on the site and faith-based dietary requirements will all be accommodated.

In addition, Rev Aled Edwards from Cytun has kindly offered to ensure any additional (pastoral/spiritual) faith requirements can supported.

Anybody who would like to direct their comments to the Home Office directly then they can do so by emailing: [email protected]

Anyone who would like to offer help can contact PATCH on 01646 699275.Dyfed-Powys Police have stated today that a twenty-nine-year-old man arrested on Wednesday (September 30) at the camp in Penally on suspicion of arson and criminal damage has been dealt with by 'adult community resolution' (a form of restorative justice) and no further charges will be brought.The man was also taken to Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest requiring medical attention.