First arrivals at military barracks converted to house Channel migrants

People arrive at Napier Barracks in Folkestone, Kent, where migrants who have crossed the Channel in small boats are being housed in the military barracks from this week (Picture: PA)

People have started to arrive at military barracks that are being used to house up to 400 Channel migrants.

On Monday evening, the first groups were seen being transported to Napier Barracks in Folkestone, Kent.

The arrivals are believed to be migrants who may have crossed the Channel aboard small boats.

Some were observed travelling in a taxi as they approached the makeshift accommodation on Ministry of Defence land.

Builders work at the new asylum seeker temporary accommodation at Napier Barracks (Getty Images)

Napier Barracks, one of several at the Shorncliffe Army Camp, was selected to house migrants while their asylum claims are processed.

The plans were met with criticism, including from local MP Damian Collins who says he “cannot support” the decision and called on the Home Office to find “more suitable” accommodation.

It is understood that a military barracks in Wales is also being considered as a site for temporarily housing people.

Together the two sites are part of the MoD training estate.

Any exercises will be relocated to alternative sites or rescheduled, so there will no military personnel on site if and when they are used by the Home Office.