UK asylum: MSF calls on Government to immediately close Wethersfield mass containment site
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For over one year, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), in partnership with Doctors of the World (DOTW) UK, ran a primary healthcare mobile clinic outside the main gates of the former RAF base at Wethersfield. Between November 2023 and December 2024, we documented how the isolated site, which accommodates up to 800 men aged between 18 and 65, causes immense harm.
A new report based on medical data and interviews with the men held at Wethersfield in 2024 highlights mental health distress amongst our patients and protection concerns at the site.
“When I first saw the military camp, it was a reminder of the military camps in my home country. Very isolated atmosphere. You can’t socialise and you can't learn.” - Wethersfield resident, 2024
“The problem is, if you are already suffering from stress and anxiety, and to be placed in such a camp where you are far away from your community and society you feel isolated.” Wethersfield resident, 2024
The top five countries of nationality of patients attending our mobile clinic were Iran, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan. As such many have fled violence, persecution and conflict and will go on to be recognised as refugees by the UK Government.
« La plupart des consultations concernaient des problèmes psychologiques. Nombre de personnes se sentaient anxieuses et stressées et ont déclaré que Wethersfield leur rappelait des expériences difficiles, comme l'emprisonnement, la torture ou la vie en zone de conflit », explique Emma Withycombe, responsable des activités médicales chez MSF.
"Most of the consultations were for psychological problems. Many people felt anxious and stressed and said Wethersfield reminds them of previous difficult experiences such as imprisonment, torture or living in areas of conflict,” Emma Withycombe, Medical Activities Manager, MSF.
It seems very cruel that people who have experienced so much hardship are now living here. Our government has chosen to accommodate people in a place that causes harm"
In the absence of safe alternatives, many people seeking safety are forced to risk their lives and take dangerous journeys to reach the UK.
The report reveals:
A lack of safe routes to the UK
Everyone who accessed our services had crossed the Channel by small boat. In interviews, participants described dangerous journeys to get to the UK. Three quarters of patients disclosed previous experiences of violence or abuse in their countries of origin and on their journeys to the UK.
Mental health needs and impact of the site
The men we interviewed spoke about the major impact the site was having on their mental health, as well as on the mental health of those around them. 62 per cent of those accessing our service presented with severe mental distress and 30 per cent reported suicidal ideation.
Serious failures to protect and safeguard
Our medical team observed that many individuals were accommodated onsite despite being ‘unsuitable’ according to the Home Office’s own guidance. We made a total of 226 safeguarding referrals due to concerns about individual patient safety and wellbeing.
"People are dying at the UK borders, dying in camps and hotels. Our patients in Wethersfield have survived conflict, persecution, and harrowing journeys to the UK with no safe route to asylum. The government should not be putting refugees into camps once they arrive here." Simon Tyler, Doctors of the World Executive Director
Despite evidence that mass containment causes immense psychological harm and suffering, and the Government’s own promises to end its use, Wethersfield remains open. In April 2025, Prime Minister Starmer refused to set a date for when the site would close.
It is beyond comprehension that Wethersfield remains open, a site which has been the source of intense suffering for people who came to the UK in search of safety. From MSF's work at the site, we know many of the individuals accommodated here have experienced violence and trauma and will have complex psychological needs.” Jacob Burns, Project Manager, MSF.
“We had hoped this Labour Government would establish a dignified and compassionate asylum system. Instead, we are witnessing a continuation of the same inhumane and restrictive policies, that are fundamentally failing those who are most in need of care and protection.”
MSF calls on the UK Government to:
Close Wethersfield immediately and end the policy of mass containment for people seeking safety in the UK
Place people seeking safety in the UK in dignified and safe accommodation in the community
Ensure access to specialist mental health support for asylum seekers in the UK
Home Office accommodation sites must have clear and transparent safeguarding pathways in place before opening
Open new and expand existing safe routes for people seeking safety to reach the UK