Community

Renewed debate over Penally Camp as UK turns to military sites for asylum housing

Published

8 months ago

October 28, 2025

PLANS to house asylum seekers at military bases in England and Scotland have prompted renewed discussion in Pembrokeshire over whether the former Penally Camp could once again be brought into use.

The UK Government confirmed this week that around 900 asylum seekers will be moved to Cameron Barracks in Inverness and Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex from the end of next month. The move is part of a wider effort to cut the soaring cost of hotels by using larger, contained accommodation sites.

***Camp residents protest in Penally (Pic: G Davies/Herald)***

Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the government was testing whether military sites could provide “adequate accommodation” and reduce public opposition to hotels. However, MPs on the Home Affairs Committee have warned that barracks could prove even more expensive once maintenance and security costs are included.

***The cost of policing the camp in 2020-2021 has was higher than expected, running into millions of pounds (Pic Herald)***

Although Penally Camp has not been mentioned in the latest announcement, the decision has led to speculation that other former military facilities across the UK could be reconsidered in future.

Hotel system branded a ‘mess’

Around 30,000 asylum seekers are currently being housed in hotels at an estimated cost of several billion pounds a year. Some contracts are reported to run until 2036, locking taxpayers into long-term deals that were originally intended for short-term use.

Reports from Westminster have revealed that many of these contracts were awarded without open scrutiny, with hotel operators making millions of pounds while local councils struggle to cope with the social impact. Critics have called the system “a mess”, accusing successive governments of losing control of spending and failing to create humane, efficient alternatives.

Controversial past use

Penally Camp, near Tenby, was used by the Home Office in 2020 and 2021 to house several hundred male asylum seekers. The decision proved highly contentious, with local residents complaining of poor communication and inadequate facilities.

***Protestors at Penally Camp in 2021 (Pic: Herald)***

A joint inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons and the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration later found the camp was “unsuitable” for long-term accommodation, citing overcrowding, poor hygiene, and lack of access to healthcare and legal advice.

The Home Office closed the site in spring 2021 and returned it to the Ministry of Defence. Since then, it has been earmarked for potential redevelopment, including possible housing.

Local reaction

***Demo to support asylum seekers in Penally in 2020 (Pic: Herald)***

Pembrokeshire councillors say they have not been informed of any plans to reopen the camp but have urged the government to clarify its position. One senior councillor told The Herald: “Residents still remember the disruption and uncertainty caused by the 2020 decision. It would be completely unacceptable to use Penally again in that way.”

The Welsh Government has also expressed concern about the suitability of former military sites, insisting that asylum accommodation must be safe, humane, and supported by local services.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We keep all accommodation options under review but there are currently no plans to reopen the Penally site.”

National policy shift

The use of military sites marks a reversal of previous government policy. Ministers had earlier pledged to end the use of barracks following criticism from inspectors and human rights groups. The change reflects growing pressure to reduce hotel spending and address record asylum backlogs.

While there are no indications that Penally is under consideration, if the government were to revisit the site, substantial upgrades would be required to meet current standards. Even so, refurbishing existing facilities could prove cheaper than sustaining thousands of people in hotels for years to come.

The Herald understands there are currently no Welsh sites under active review as part of the Home Office’s new accommodation programme.

Community

Man found dead near Carmarthen railway line died from hypothermia

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A 32-YEAR-OLD man found dead near Carmarthen Train Station died after taking shelter on a bitterly cold night, an inquest has heard.

Edward Mark Owen, originally from Birmingham but living in Ystradgynlais, was discovered in a field beside the railway line on the approach to Carmarthen station on Saturday, January 10.

A Transport for Wales train driver had spotted what appeared to be a body lying face down near the track shortly after 8:30am.

Police and railway staff attended and found Mr Owen lying face down and topless in the field. His coat, T-shirt, phone and cigarettes were found nearby.

Police initially treated the death as unexplained.

Movements traced

The inquest heard that officers later traced Mr Owen’s movements from his home in Ystradgynlais to Carmarthen.

He had nowhere to stay in the town and had taken shelter under a bridge near the railway station during a particularly cold night.

The coroner said Mr Owen had “sadly succumbed to the effects of hypothermia”.

The fact that he had removed his T-shirt and coat was said to be consistent with a confused state brought on by hypothermia.

A conclusion of misadventure was recorded.

The coroner found that Mr Owen died sometime on January 10, 2026.

Community

Milford Haven firefighters prepare for key assessments

Published

3 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ON-CALL firefighters at Milford Haven Fire Station have been put through their paces as part of their weekly drill night.

The crew’s development firefighters were pictured carrying out a “drill by numbers” squad exercise ahead of upcoming assessments.

New firefighters spend their first 24 months in a development period, which is split into four stages and focuses on different operational skills and competencies.

At the end of each stage, firefighters attend a divisional training centre where their progress is assessed against the standards required by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Over the next two weeks, members of the Milford Haven crew will take part in a Stage 2 interim assessment and a Stage 4 final assessment.

One firefighter is hoping to complete the final stage and qualify as a fully competent firefighter.

The station said Wednesday nights remain an important part of training for the on-call crew, helping firefighters maintain the skills needed to respond to emergencies across the Milford Haven area.

Community

Armed Forces Day exhibition opens at VC Gallery’s new Riverside home

Published

8 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A UNIQUE exhibition bringing together military history, art and veterans’ stories will open to the public in Haverfordwest as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations later this month.

The VC Gallery will host a special open day at its new Riverside Gallery on Saturday, June 27, inviting the community to explore an exhibition featuring works from the Imperial War Museum alongside historic wartime artefacts, trench art and pieces connected to celebrated Welsh artist Augustus John.

The event will also showcase contemporary artwork created by Armed Forces veterans who served in conflicts including Korea, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Organisers say the exhibition highlights not only military history and remembrance, but also the role creativity can play in supporting mental health, wellbeing and recovery.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet members of the VC Gallery team and learn more about an ambitious new project aimed at supporting veterans, families and the wider community.

The exhibition combines nationally significant historical works with personal stories of service and resilience, offering a rare opportunity to view military history through the eyes of those who experienced it.

Families are particularly welcome, with guided family art tours available by advance booking.

The event begins at 10:00am and takes place at the VC Riverside Gallery in Haverfordwest.

Anyone wishing to reserve a place on a guided family tour should email [email protected].

The VC Gallery said it is looking forward to welcoming visitors as it commemorates Armed Forces Day while celebrating the power of art, heritage and community to bring people together.