Residents of Crowborough gathered for a peaceful demonstration Sunday morning in response to government proposals to convert a local military training facility into accommodation for 600 asylum seekers.
The Home Office announced the controversial plan in October, designating an army training camp on the town’s outskirts as one of several military sites that will replace hotel accommodation for asylum seekers. Sussex Police monitored the peaceful protest, which concluded without incident or arrests.
The initiative represents the government’s broader strategy to eliminate its reliance on hotel accommodations for asylum seekers—a practice it has committed to ending before the next general election. A Home Office representative stated the department is “furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels in this country.”
“We are working to transition asylum seekers into more appropriate accommodation, including military facilities, which will alleviate strain on communities nationwide,” the spokesperson explained. “Public safety is our top priority, and we’re collaborating closely with local authorities, property partners, and community members throughout this transition.”
However, the Home Office has issued an apology regarding its communication approach to the Crowborough plan. Wealden District Council had previously criticized what it described as an “information vacuum” surrounding the proposal, stating that the lack of transparency had intensified community tensions and resulted in threats directed at council members.
The controversy highlights the ongoing challenges facing the government as it attempts to reform the asylum system while addressing local community concerns.
