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Immigration centre at ex-RAF base Immigration centre at ex-RAF base
(about 3 hours later)
The former RAF base at Coltishall in Norfolk is to be taken over by the Home Office to become an immigration detention and removal centre.The former RAF base at Coltishall in Norfolk is to be taken over by the Home Office to become an immigration detention and removal centre.
Director general of Immigration and Nationality Directorate Lin Homer said the extra capacity was vital to help enforce immigration laws.Director general of Immigration and Nationality Directorate Lin Homer said the extra capacity was vital to help enforce immigration laws.
The Home Office says the move will free up more space in overcrowded prisons.The Home Office says the move will free up more space in overcrowded prisons.
Norman Lamb, MP for North Norfolk, told BBC News he would be asking for more information about the plans.Norman Lamb, MP for North Norfolk, told BBC News he would be asking for more information about the plans.
'Expand capacity''Expand capacity'
He said: "We need to be clear about the details of what we face.He said: "We need to be clear about the details of what we face.
"There needs to be direct consultation with the local community.""There needs to be direct consultation with the local community."
Mr Lamb criticised the government last month when it was suggested the base may be used to house prisoners as part of plans to tackle a lack available space in jails.Mr Lamb criticised the government last month when it was suggested the base may be used to house prisoners as part of plans to tackle a lack available space in jails.
Officials say they now plan to house around 500 immigrants at the former base, near Norwich.Officials say they now plan to house around 500 immigrants at the former base, near Norwich.
The Home Office confirmed the move is "part of our efforts to expand detention capacity".The Home Office confirmed the move is "part of our efforts to expand detention capacity".
Ms Homer said: "We are committed to enforcing immigration controls and determined to ensure that those abusing the system and the UK's hospitality are removed.Ms Homer said: "We are committed to enforcing immigration controls and determined to ensure that those abusing the system and the UK's hospitality are removed.
"In 2005 we achieved 17,000 asylum removals and enforced the removal of over 12,000 non-asylum offenders. Additional detention capacity will help us expand that even further.""In 2005 we achieved 17,000 asylum removals and enforced the removal of over 12,000 non-asylum offenders. Additional detention capacity will help us expand that even further."
RAF Coltishall was built in 1939 and became a fighter station the next year.RAF Coltishall was built in 1939 and became a fighter station the next year.
Anna Reisenberger, acting chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: "We are dismayed that the Home Office is looking to open another detention centre to house asylum seekers.
"At a time when extra space is desperately needed to hold people who have committed crimes, it seems very strange that priority should be given to locking up people who've committed no crime and are no danger to the public."