SAY NO TO SMALL BOAT ARRIVALS IN GOSPORT

Gosport is not a suitable location for small boat migrant landings

We call on the UK Government and the Home Office to stop using Gosport as a location for small boat migrant landings and disembarkations.

The Petition

We, the undersigned residents and supporters, call on the UK Government and the Home Office to reconsider the use of Gosport, including Fort Blockhouse, as a location for small boat arrivals and migrant disembarkations.

Gosport is a small coastal town with limited infrastructure and resources. We believe it is not an appropriate location for operations of this nature, particularly given the potential impact on our community, public services, emergency access and local policing.

Our key concerns are as follows:

1. Inadequate infrastructure and public services

Gosport does not have the spare infrastructure required to accommodate additional pressures of this nature. We have concerns about access to acute hospital services, childcare facilities, emergency resources and other essential local services.

2. Unsuitable landing and disembarkation sites

Fort Blockhouse has significant access constraints, with limited road access and restricted routes in and out. We question whether this location is suitable for operations that may require significant emergency service and policing resources.

3. The cost to local taxpayers

We are concerned about the substantial cost of deploying police and other emergency resources whenever a small boat arrival takes place. Estimates circulated locally suggest policing costs can reach approximately £200,000 per incident. We call for these figures to be transparently verified and for the Government to explain who bears these costs.

4. The impact on community relations and public confidence

There is considerable concern and tension within the local community. Residents deserve to have their concerns heard, their questions answered and their public services protected. Decisions affecting Gosport must take proper account of local circumstances and the views of the people who live here.

5. The cumulative impact of immigration-related facilities

Gosport is already accommodating immigration-related infrastructure, including Haslar Immigration Removal Centre. Residents are entitled to ask what further responsibilities are being placed on the town and whether sufficient resources are being provided to manage the cumulative impact.

What are we asking the Government to do?

We call on the UK Government and the Home Office to:

● Stop using Gosport as a location for small boat landings and disembarkations.

● Review the suitability of Fort Blockhouse and other proposed sites, including access, emergency planning and public safety.

● Publish a transparent breakdown of the policing and emergency service costs associated with each arrival.

● Explain how local public services, infrastructure and taxpayers will be protected from additional pressures.

● Consult meaningfully with Gosport residents and elected representatives before making further decisions affecting the town.

Gosport residents deserve to be heard

We have raised concerns with the Home Office and pursued the issue through petitions. Our previous petition was reportedly rejected on the grounds that the matter was considered local.

If this is a local issue, then the voices of local residents must be central to the decision-making process.

We will continue to seek answers, demand transparency and campaign for decisions that properly reflect Gosport’s circumstances.

Sign this petition to make your voice heard.

Gosport deserves a say in decisions that affect our town, our services and our future.