"Gosport must be ruled out as a landing site for migrant small boats today”

Frustration is growing after the Government failed to clarify whether a former military site could still be used for future small-boat operations.

Gosport Borough Council said the Home Office has not specifically clarified its position on Gosport or Fort Blockhouse, despite assurances about Portsmouth.

The Home Office has confirmed it does not intend to establish Portsmouth as a routine or designated location for small-boat disembarkations following disruption at Eastney.

But the council said this response does not provide the same clarity over whether Gosport or Fort Blockhouse remains under consideration.

Council leader Cllr Zoe Huggins BEM has described the response as “disappointing” and has written again to the Minister for Border Security and Asylum.

She said: “We have asked the Government to provide clear answers about whether Gosport or Fort Blockhouse remains under consideration, how potential sites are assessed, and how local authorities and emergency services will be kept informed.

“The response was disappointing, as it appears that in the Minister’s statement, she only refers to Portsmouth.

“I believe this shows a lack of understanding of where Gosport is located and its constraints.”

The row follows concerns about small-boat arrivals in the area in recent weeks.

Migrants were brought ashore at Fort Blockhouse on October 4, while a separate operation took place on September 22.

The issue has prompted protests and concern among residents, while councillors have also pushed the Government for greater clarity over its plans.

Dame Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, said the borough must be ruled out as a landing site “today”.

She said: “The Government’s actions to date have done little more than send a signal to the people smuggling gangs that this is a viable new route.

“Communication by Home Office with local stakeholders to date has been nothing short of appalling. I hope they put this right.

“I will continue to campaign for Gosport’s views to be heard and this area to be discounted from future small boat plans.”

Earlier this month, councillors unanimously backed a motion calling for answers from the Government over the borough’s potential future use for small-boat operations.

Speaking at the time, Cllr Huggins said: “I’ve always been clear that this is about facts and evidence of why Gosport is not a safe and suitable site for illegal migrant landings and dockings.

“This is because of our infrastructure. It is not safe or suitable for anyone.”

Fort Blockhouse, on the western side of Gosport, was formerly used by the military and sits close to Portsmouth Harbour.

The council is now awaiting further clarification from the Government over what, if any, role the site could have in the future.