TL:DR – Migrants Relocate to Crowborough Army Camp Amid Protests | News UK
- The first 27 asylum seekers have arrived at Crowborough army camp for processing.
- The site aims to house 540 asylum seekers, replacing costly hotels.
- Local opposition includes protests over safety concerns and government disregard for community objections.
- Supportive locals, like Aaron Stevens, advocate kindness towards migrants.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasised plans to reduce illegal migration.
- Critics, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, warn of potential crime risks associated with the migrants.
First migrants moved into army camp in Crowborough despite weeks of protests | News UK
The first illegal migrants have arrived at an army camp overnight as part of controversial plans to house 540 asylum seekers at the barracks.
The migrants arrived at Crowborough army camp on a 16-seater coach in the early hours of the morning.
The Home Office has confirmed that 27 asylum seekers have now moved onto the site, where they will be housed for three months while their claim is processed.
The move is part of the government’s plans to end the use of expensive migrant hotels, but has sparked weekly protests in the Sussex town.
The camp will hold 500 male asylum seekers (Picture: Eddie Mitchell)
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The coach carrying the first arrivals was bused in under the cover of darkness at 3am this morning, alongside a police escort.
A large police presence remains outside the camp today, with the government stressing there is specialist around-the-clock security in place at the camp.
The leader of the local Wealden District Council said the Home Office ‘hasn’t listened to any of us’ over their objections to the plans.
He added that ‘a lot of people are angry, frightened and worried’ about the camp being used to house the asylum seekers.
UK News has also spoken to locals who want to welcome the migrants.
Aaron Stevens, who helps to run a local group to support refugees, said: ‘We need to try and make the best of the situation, rather than meeting people with hatred.
‘We want to provide support be kind. Our group is apolitical. We want to provide care for them as we did previously for Ukrainians.’
The plans have sparked weekly protests (Picture Stuart Brock/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: ‘Illegal migration has been placing immense pressure on communities.
‘That is why we are removing the incentives that draw illegal migrants to Britain, closing asylum hotels that are blighting communities.
‘Crowborough is just the start. I will bring forward site after site until every asylum hotel is closed and returned to local communities.
‘I will not rest until order and control of our borders is restored.’
More than 400 asylum hotels were opened under the last government, costing £9million a day.
While many have been closed, just under 200 asylum hotels still remain in use.
The arrival of migrants in Crowborough was labelled ‘another day of shame’ by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp.
He claimed: ‘We have seen hundreds of crimes committed by illegal immigrants in asylum accommodation, including many rapes, sexual assaults, and even murder.
The Home Office has revealed what the inside of the camp looks like (Picture: Home Office/PA Wire)
‘Now the women and children of Crowborough will be exposed to those risks too.’
Mr Philp complained that 6,000 army and RAF cadets had been kicked out of the barracks for the plan to go ahead.
Stand up to Racism Crowborough told UK News that asylum seekers and refugees were ‘not to blame’.
They added: ‘Crowborough has a proud history of showing kindness and helping people in their hour of need.
‘Refugees fleeing conflicts in Ukraine and Afghanistan have been welcomed by the community with open arms and this occasion is no different.
‘We support local people who are working to make sure these new arrivals are shown hospitality and the best traditions of Crowborough, those of unity and solidarity triumph over the hateful and racist narratives of division.’