A statement by the Home Office that they are intending to move all of the asylum seekers at Penally Camp into “suitable dispersed accommodation as soon as reasonably practical” has been welcomed.

The statement that they were hoping to start moves (albeit for small numbers of people) from Monday (January 18) was made by Home Office Minister, Chris Philp MP, in an answer to a Parliamentary Question from Liberal Democrat MP, Wendy Chamberlain.

It has been suggested this week that 20 ‘vulnerable’ males from the camp had already been moved into other accommodation following action from solicitors, with a representative from the law firm representing the group of men stating: “We have brought the serious vulnerabilities of our clients to the attention of the Home Office.

“Their response to date has been to transfer the twenty men to alternative accommodation.

“We cannot, and should not have to, make transfer requests on behalf of every person housed at the camp for the Home Office to recognise that this is unacceptable.”

Home Office Minister, Chris Philp said: “It remains our intention to move all individuals in contingency accommodation into suitable dispersed accommodation as soon as reasonably practical, we are hoping to commence moves for small numbers of people out from week commencing January 18, however our immediate priority is to ensure that we continue to meet out legal duty to house destitute asylum seekers and ensure their safety and wellbeing.

“The Home Office have undertaken a number of assessments at the Penally Camp; Equality Impact, Fire, Evacuation controls/plans and infection controls including for Covid 19.

“A rapid review of asylum accommodation was undertaken with the assistance of Human Applications who conducted a ‘deep dive’ on our approach to initial accommodation during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We continue to work closely with the Welsh health leads and if necessary, conduct an internal evaluation of asylum support provision in Penally with any recommendations being actioned accordingly.”

In welcoming the news, Alistair Cameron, Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire said: “Whilst the Welsh Liberal Democrats welcome this emerging information, we need to see evidence that people are moving out.

“The Asylum Seekers are staying in the middle of Winter in army barracks which are unsuitable as long term accommodation.

“They are sleeping six to a room and run the risk of being infected with coronavirus. Many will have fled areas of conflict and they will have been deeply traumatized by their experiences.

“As a caring country, we should provide safe, warm and clean accommodation just as we would expect if we were in similar circumstances.

“I now urge the Home Office to move all of the asylum seekers out of the Camp as quickly as possible and to process their claims for asylum.”

A report to Penally Community Council last week confirmed that currently there are 123 service users in the camp.

Due to the Government imposed restrictions relating to travel – service users are being transferred to dispersal centres in Wales, and at this point in time, no new service users will be moved into the facility at Penally.

County councillor for the ward Jon Preston said: “I have been advised that media reports of Covid cases at the camp are not accurate.

“Covid tests have been carried out on some individuals showing symptoms but all test results were found to be negative.”

Wendy Chamberlain MP has asked the Home Secretary further questions, including about the arrangements for the asylum seekers to receive mental health support as well as what action has been taken to speed up the processing of asylum seekers.

According to the Refugee Council, at the end of September 2020, 60,548 people were waiting for an outcome on their initial claim for asylum.

Of these, 46,108 (76 per cent) have been waiting for more than 6 months, up from 26,125 this time last year.