Hundreds of demonstrators have taken to the streets of an East Sussex town to voice their strong opposition to government plans to house asylum seekers in a local army barracks.
Second Protest Sees Heated Demonstrations
The protest on Sunday 23rd November 2025 saw campaigners march through Crowborough, carrying signs and flags while chanting "send them home". This was the second of three planned protests organised by local residents against the proposal for Crowborough Training Camp.
The camp, which can accommodate up to 540 men, has been offered to the Home Office by the Ministry of Defence for a period of 12 months. It is part of a government initiative to reduce the use of asylum hotels, alongside Cameron Barracks in Inverness.
Local Council and Residents Voice Fears
Wealden District Council has formally backed a motion to oppose the scheme. Council leader James Partridge, who proposed the motion at a November meeting, stated: "There has been a strong reaction against the proposals from many people who live in Crowborough."
He elaborated on local concerns, saying residents are "justifiably very worried about what would happen if 540 single men arrive to stay in the town with very little to do all day in accommodation which is not suitable." Partridge added that the information provided by the Home Office had failed to ease public anxiety, stating "The risks are obvious."
Government Response and Police Presence
In response to the concerns, the government has stated that mandatory security and criminality checks will be conducted on all asylum seekers using biometric data. Officials have also confirmed the site will be equipped with 24-hour security.
A spokeswoman for Sussex Police reported that the event was a "planned peaceful protest" and confirmed that there were no arrests made during the demonstration.
The protest highlights the ongoing tension and debate surrounding the UK government's strategy for housing asylum seekers, moving them out of hotels and into alternative accommodation like disused military sites.
