The Welsh Secretary of State Simon Hart MP has been invited to meet with the public in Penally to update the current situation after immigration officials met with Pembrokeshire county council, Welsh government representatives and the chief of Police on Monday to discuss the possibility of Penally Training Camp housing asylum seekers.

With speculation that the camp which sits just outside of Tenby has been earmarked for up to 250 people the UK Government released the following statement earlier today: “During these unprecedented times the government is working with a range of partners and across departments to secure further accommodation and the MOD has offered use of some of its sites.

“When using contingency accommodation we work closely with organisations, including local authorities and law enforcement, throughout the process to ensure value for money and that vulnerable asylum seekers, who would otherwise be destitute, have suitable accommodation while their claims are processed.”

Speaking in his capacity as Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP, Welsh secretary of state Simon Hart said on Monday that he had spoken to the Home Secretary, who with a range of partners and Government departments - were ‘exploring’ opportunities for further Covid-19 compliant accommodation for those seeking asylum.

“Following the submission of a request, the Ministry of Defence has commenced scoping options across the UK. One of the sites under active consideration is Penally Training Camp,” said Mr. Hart.

“The Home Office and the Ministry of Defence are working hard to ensure Penally Training Camp is compliant with Covid-19 regulations and will have minimal impact on the local community.

“It is estimated by the Home Office that the site would temporarily house around 250 people if this option is agreed,” he added.

Penally county councillor Jon Preston who confirmed that his request to attend the talks on Monday were turned down has now invited Mr. Hart to speak to residents of his ward.

“Following confirmed home office plans to actively consider using Penally Training camp as a holding unit for asylum seekers, I have understandably received countless queries and questions,” said Clr. Preston.

“However with this being a Home Office matter I am not in a position to influence or contribute to such a decision.

“I was not permitted to attend yesterday’s (Monday) meeting with Home Office officials and Pembrokeshire County Councils cabinet however I am, in effect dealing with an incredibly emotive issue on your behalf,” continued Clr. Preston in correspondence sent to Mr. Hart’s office.

“I would very much like to arrange a socially distanced public meeting to give you an opportunity to engage with the community of Penally. We need to understand where we are in this process and what other sites are being considered in Pembrokeshire.

“I note that one of your colleagues Damion Collins MP has categorically refused to house asylum seekers at military units in his constituency.

“I am also concerned that the Home Office consider Penally to be a ‘remote’ location making it quite clear the decision makers are ‘pushing pins in maps’ without any knowledge of the area.

“I respectfully ask that you lead on this rapidly developing situation,” he added.

Clr. Preston has stated that due to his position on Pembrokeshire County Council, he has tried to remain objective as the situation develops.

“The UK government has an obligation to provide food, shelter, and medical aid to asylum seekers - whatever political frustrations there may be in support or opposition to this proposal, my role is to represent the community of Penally as best I can.”

“I first heard of this on Friday evening and contacted Simon Hart MP as our local MP and as the Secretary of State for Wales.

“I was given a contact at the home office and spoke at length to a director within the immigration service at Westminster.

“I have shared the notes of that conversation with Penally community council.

“This is a decision that has been/will be made by the home office.

“No consultation was made with me, the community council or until yesterday morning PCC or Welsh government.

“All queries should be directed to your local MP (if you live outside of Simon Hart’s constituency).

“Yesterday morning I made a proposal to the home office to consider two (in my opinion) more suitable sites.

“There seemed to be a genuine interest in looking at the viability of these sites.

I understand that meetings took place yesterday afternoon which I have yet to receive feedback from,” he added.

A protest against the possibility of Penally Camp housing asylum seekers will take place outside the facility tonight (Tuesday) at 6 pm.