Calls for the immediate closure of the asylum accommodation in Penally have been made following a damning inspection report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) and the independent chief inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI), published on Monday (March 9)

As well as a lack of Covid protection, fire safety and living conditions concerns, the inspectors found that managers lacked the experience and skills to run large-scale communal accommodation and the Home Office did not exercise adequate oversight.

The report also reveals that many residents at the centre said they had mental health problems.

Following publication of the report, Penally’s county councillor Jon Preston said that Home Secretary Priti Patel should “consider her position”.

Clr. Preston stated: “Amongst the many condemning observations made by the ICIBI it was not surprising that environment at Penally training camp was found to be impoverished, and run-down.

“As I have said from the onset, it is important to understand that Penally training camp is military transit accommodation.

“It’s intended purpose is for the short-term occupancy of service personnel who are trained, equipped and prepared for a brief stay at the barracks during transit or for training.

“The report has recognised that the barracks are not designed or intended for housing vulnerable adults with complex needs.

“Due to the ICIBI identifying ‘fundamental failures of leadership and planning by the Home Office’ I support the call by the shadow spokesperson for home affairs, Liz Saville-Roberts MP that the Home Secretary should consider her position.

“This is a failed Home Office strategy which has had and will have, far reaching consequences.

“Simon Hart MP must take on board the findings of this report, make a public apology and instigate immediate moves to return Penally camp to the MoD,” he added.

Clr. Preston’s fellow Plaid Cymru member, Cefin Campbell echoed his comments, and also called for MP?Simon Hart to consider his position as Secretary of State for Wales due to his failure to resolve conditions in the camp and consult with local people, according to prospective

Plaid Cymru candidate in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Mr. Campbell commented: “These people should not have been located at Penally in the first place. It was a rush job by the Home Office, which resulted in local alarm and degrading conditions for the camp residents.

“It also caused conflict outside the camp which was a drain on police resources. By keeping everyone in the dark, the UK Government created a dire situation which caused grief all round.

“It’s quite incredible that local MP Simon Hart, a Minister in the UK Government, was not told of plans to house asylum seekers in his constituency by his own cabinet colleagues. It shows that Wales is treated with contempt by the Tory Government in London.

“Throughout this sorry saga, Mr. Hart has failed dismally to cope with the situation in Penally, within and without the camp, both as a local MP and Secretary of State for Wales.

“Due to his failure to be up-front with his constituents and the obvious contempt towards his post as Secretary of State by the Tory Government, he should seriously consider his position.

“If he can’t influence events of this magnitude in his own constituency what hope is there of Wales benefitting on a wider scale?” he added.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys Police, Dafydd Llywelyn also called for the immediate closure of the facilty in Penally, following the report.

Mr. Llywelyn said: “Following this independent report, and its damning verdict, I am calling for the immediate closure of the asylum centre at Penally.

“I have been in continuous condemnation of the Home Office’s decision to use the camp to house asylum seekers since September last year, and my concerns are vindicated following the Independent Inspector’s initial findings that have been published this week.

“I have seen first-hand the difficult circumstances encountered by individuals residing at the centre. In January, I met with David Bolt, the Chief Inspector of Asylum and Immigration, who reassured me at the time that this independent inspection of the Centre would take place.

“I am now pleased that the report findings highlight the concerns and fears that myself and other local stakeholder have raised with the Home Office on several occasions.

“The lack of strategic planning around the use of camp since September 2020, as well as the lack of community engagement has been extremely frustrating.

“This has led to unnecessary pressure being put on local resources at a time when we are trying to protect our communities from a global pandemic.

“I am now calling on the Home Office to make alternative arrangements and that we see the closure of the Penally Centre once and for all,” he added.