Bicester MP criticised for abstaining on MOD asylum vote

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Calum Miller, the Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester, abstained from a Commons vote condemning Government plans to house asylum seekers at MOD Bicester.

Calum Miller, the Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester and Woodstock, abstained from a Commons vote on 14 October that condemned Government plans to accommodate up to 1,256 single adult men at MOD Bicester near Piddington. MPs rejected the Conservative motion by 309 votes to 113. The motion called on Parliament to condemn the scheme and withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights 'in order to deport illegal migrants'.

Miller spoke during the debate but did not take part in the vote. He described the proposal as a 'totally inappropriate portacabin village' and argued it would be wrong for local communities, asylum seekers and taxpayers. He estimated the scheme could cost £1 billion over 10 years and warned it could 'create excessive community tensions', raise environmental concerns and pose risks to women and girls.

His decision not to support the motion has attracted criticism from some campaigners. Paula Ewers acknowledged that leaving the ECHR conflicts with Liberal Democrat policy, but argued residents were entitled to question why their MP had not supported a motion explicitly condemning the MOD Bicester proposal. Miller has repeatedly opposed the plans throughout the consultation process.

How it is being reported

• MP grilled for abstaining on MOD Bicester asylum plans and human rights voteBicester MP Calum Miller explains his abstention on MOD Bicester asylum plans, after a vote in Parliament linked the site to the UK's withdrawal from the ECHR.Oxford Mail · 22 Oct, 05:00
• MP grilled for abstaining on MOD Bicester asylum plans and human rights voteBicester MP Calum Miller explains his abstention on MOD Bicester asylum plans, after a vote in Parliament linked the site to the UK's withdrawal from the ECHR.Oxfordshire Guardian · 22 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Calum Miller · Paula Ewers · MOD Bicester · Bicester · Liberal Democrats

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