Rights groups criticise Priti Patel after fire at asylum seekers’ camp

Minister accused of 'playing politics' with vulnerable people

The fire broke out at a former military barracks. Care4Calais

Humanitarian groups have criticised UK interior minister Priti Patel for suggesting a fire at a former military barracks being used to house asylum seekers was intentional.
Heavy smoke billowed across Napier Barracks, in Folkestone, Kent on Friday but nobody was injured. Police and fire services are investigating the cause.

The centre housing around 100 people claiming asylum in the UK has also seen a number of cases of Covid-19.
"The damage and destruction at Napier Barracks is not only appalling but deeply offensive to the taxpayers of this country, who are providing this accommodation while asylum claims are being processed," Ms Patel said.

Emergency services attend the fire at Napier Barracks in southern England. AP

“This type of action will not be tolerated and the Home Office will support the police to take robust action against those vandalising property, threatening staff and putting lives at risk. This site has previously accommodated our brave soldiers and army personnel – it is an insult to say that it is not good enough for these individuals.”

The Home Office alleged windows were smashed at the barracks and a building had been set on fire.

However, police said on Friday evening that it would be "inaccurate" to refer to the incident as a riot and it was not being treated as such.
Rights groups and charity workers said Ms Patel was playing politics with asylum seekers.
"By mocking the vulnerability of asylum seekers, the Home Secretary would rather shirk responsibility and play politics with people's lives," said Kolbassia Haoussou, co-founder of the Freedom From Torture charity.

“Many of the people trapped here suffer from severe mental health issues and low immune systems linked to the abuse they have fled. The camps are unsafe, unsanitary and unfit to house vulnerable people.”

Bella Sankey, director of the charity Detention Action, said: "Why can't she allow emergency services to do their job without political interference? Her divisive, inflammatory and knee-jerk response will only fan the flames of prejudice and undermine the rule of law."

Kent police said it was carrying out inquiries to find out how the fire started.
"While the exact nature of the disturbance and any potential links to the fire are still being investigated, it would be inaccurate to refer to the disturbance as a riot and it is not being treated as such," said Det Ch Supt Andrew Pritchard.

"There have been no arrests but inquiries are ongoing."