THE Government last night refused to rule out using Britain’s oldest coastal fort as a massive migrant hotel.
Historic Fort Blockhouse has lain empty for almost ten years after the Ministry of Defence failed to sell it for development.
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The former submarine base, situated at a key strategic point at the entrance to Portsmouth harbour, could hold thousands of migrants.
Sources close to Defence Secretary John Healey said he was looking at military sites in light of the current migrant housing crisis.
But the plan to turn the 600-year-old citadel into rooms for asylum seekers has been met with opposition by local Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage, who said existing residents in Hampshire “deserve better”.
Fort Blockhouse is the UK’s oldest sea fort and has a rich history.
Work started on it in 1431, shortly after the area was burnt by the French during the Hundred Years War.
It served as one of the south coast’s largest forts until 1905 when it became the home of the Royal Navy Submarine Service.
Before it officially closed as a military establishment in December 2021, it held the record for the longest active service of any military base.
‘ILLEGAL’ ON SEX CHARGE
A MIGRANT has been charged with entering the UK illegally, indecent exposure, assault and a public order offence.
Sri Lankan Sukirthan Thangrasha, 37, of Portsmouth, was remanded in custody by the city’s magistrates yesterday to appear at crown court on October 20.
