Key Highlights
- Hundreds of people protested against plans to house asylum seekers at a military site in Crowborough.
- The government announced that 600 people would be temporarily housed at a training camp on the outskirts of Crowborough.
- Local residents expressed concerns about safety and pressure on local infrastructure.
- A petition against housing asylum seekers has attracted 6,000 signatures.
Protest in Crowborough Over Asylum Seeker Military Site Plan
On November 8, 2025, hundreds of residents gathered to protest plans announced by the government to house asylum seekers at a military site in Crowborough, East Sussex. The government recently revealed that 600 people would be temporarily accommodated at a training camp on the outskirts of the town.
Local Concerns and Protests
The protest, attended by local residents like Keith Brown, highlighted potential safety issues and concerns about the impact on infrastructure. “If you dump any 600 young men of undocumented, unknown origin in a small town,” said Mr. Brown, “you’re asking for trouble.” Other residents echoed these sentiments, with Ben Grant noting that the plans were concerning to many local residents.
Resident Rachel Nichols expressed her view on social responsibility: “We shouldn’t be put in a position where we have to stretch ourselves further to accommodate people who are not offering something back to our community,” she said. These concerns reflect broader anxieties among locals regarding the integration and potential safety implications of accommodating asylum seekers.
Government’s Response
A Home Office spokesperson defended the government’s decision, stating that “the right to protest is fundamental to our democracy.” However, they also emphasized their commitment to ending the use of hotels for asylum seekers: “This government will close every asylum hotel,” said the spokesperson. They added that work was underway to identify more suitable sites to reduce pressure on communities.
The spokesperson further stated, “In terms of people seeking asylum, the government has a duty, under the Refugee Convention, to house those who would be otherwise destitute.” This response aligns with the government’s broader strategy aimed at reducing reliance on hotels and finding more permanent solutions for asylum seekers. The military sites are part of this plan, which the spokesperson claims will deliver better outcomes for taxpayers.
Local Council’s Opposition
Wealden District Council has taken a firm stance against these plans, calling for their reversal due to concerns about staffing at the camp, police provision, and additional strain on public services. The council argued that the plans had “totally failed” to engage with the community or provide assurances around safeguarding for both asylum seekers and residents.
According to official figures, as of June 2025, about 32,000 asylum seekers were being housed in hotels, down from a peak of more than 56,000 in 2023. This reduction is part of the government’s efforts to transition to more suitable accommodation options.
Local police, including Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, also voiced their opposition at the protest. Bourne expressed disgust over the plans, stating that she was “as disgusted as local residents are about this migrant camp being opened up.” Her comments reflect a broader debate on migration policy and its impact on local communities.
Legal Challenges and Public Sentiment
A petition against the proposed housing of asylum seekers has gained significant traction, attracting 6,000 signatures. This widespread public opposition highlights the complexity of balancing humanitarian obligations with community concerns. The government’s plan faces both legal challenges and ongoing public scrutiny.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how these policies will evolve in response to local pressures and broader national priorities. The protest in Crowborough represents just one instance of a larger conversation about asylum seeker accommodation and its implications for local communities.
