Whist illegal immigration continues at pace across the English Channel, I did not think that it would impact on the countries defence industry.

However, after reading an email from a defence contractor working in Barrow-in-Furnace for BAE Systems on the new nuclear submarine project ‘The Continuous At-Sea Deterrent’, it has been highlighted that many travelling contractors and locals working on this project are unable to find a good standard of accommodation, local to the site.

A couple of years ago an entire local hotel, the OYO Majestic was commandeered for illegal immigrant accommodation. In the last month, the regular clientele of contractors staying in the sister hotel, the OYO Imperial close by were told it was closing for maintenance.

It would appear that this hotel has also been commandeered to house illegal immigrants.

The housing of hundreds of illegal immigrants in this area, who are free to roam the local area, close to such an important defence site is of great concern. Most, if not all these illegal immigrants have not been vetted in any way. This news also follows today’s independent review into the failings of our Border Force and the large numbers of Illegal Immigrants who have disappeared from their hotels before biometric information is taken to use for their identities. We are funnelling in security risks and putting them up in sensitive areas like Barrow-in-Furness. Terror attacks waiting to happen??

These important contractors have now had to find alternative accommodation, further from the site and at a greater expense due to reduced accommodation availability.

The UK Independence Party finds this situation unacceptable and would not house unvetted illegal immigrants close to any defence site.

Sqn Ldr Peter Richardson Retired

UK Independence Party – Spokesman for Defence and Veterans