As Havant Borough Council awaits the decision on the Home Office’s proposed asylum accommodation in Waterlooville town centre, Councillor Phil Munday – Leader of the council – has been compelled to respond to further inaccurate statements being made by the Member of Parliament for Fareham & Waterlooville, Suella Braverman.
In a social media post on Tuesday 5 August, the Member of Parliament stated “Havant Borough Council have formally decided to support the Home Office plans”. This statement is inaccurate. The council has been unable to approve the use of this building. As as published on Monday 4 August, Havant Borough Council raised two clear concerns over the proposal. Firstly, that the site is currently not compliant with fire regulations and thus currently not suitable for housing. Secondly, the council has expressed concern over the lack of information provided on how individuals would be placed, would be supported, and how their safety would be ensured, particularly in light of deliberate misinformation being circulated online should the Home Office and Clearsprings decide to go ahead with the proposal. The council’s approach does not marry in any way with the Member of Parliament’s public statement.
Councillor Phil Munday stated “As Leader of Havant Borough Council, I’m yet again compelled to correct the fundamentally inaccurate language the Member of Parliament chooses to use. I’ve already publicly corrected the incorrect and persistent use of “illegal immigrants” with the person in question, and am now drawn to do so again with the wilful misrepresentation of the council’s clear and publicly stated views. To be absolutely clear, the council did not approve the use of the building. Inaccurate terminology on a topic which is emotional for many is deeply inappropriate, potentially inflammatory and ultimately misleading the residents we are here to serve. I urge the Member of Parliament to consider her words on this issue more wisely going forward.”
The final decision on the proposed accommodation – at an as-yet undisclosed date - is made solely by the Home Office.