The first group of asylum seekers have moved into a former military camp in East Sussex, the Home Office confirmed. On Thursday, 27 asylum seekers were settled at the Crowborough training camp.
Crowborough Camp to House Over 500 Asylum Seekers
The government plans to expand Crowborough to house more than 500 people seeking asylum. This aims to put an end to expensive hotel stays currently used for asylum accommodation.
Local Backlash Amid Community Calls for Unity
Although announced last year, plans to open Crowborough were paused after protests. Wealden District Council leader James Partridge slammed the move as “wrong” but urged locals to pull together.
“We do need to make the best of it,” said Partridge. “And I call on the local community to come together, like we did when Afghan families and Ukrainian refugees arrived.”
Home Secretary Pledges to Shut Down All Asylum Hotels
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed Crowborough is “just the start.” She promised to open more sites until every asylum hotel is closed and returned to local communities.
“I will bring forward site after site until every asylum hotel is closed and returned to local communities,” Mahmood declared.
