Mass Demonstration in East Sussex Town Against Asylum Accommodation Plans
Thousands of demonstrators have marched through the picturesque market town of Crowborough in East Sussex to voice their strong opposition to UK government proposals to house asylum seekers at a former military training camp. The substantial protest represents the largest and most significant demonstration of its kind in the region, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds with varying motivations.
Local Concerns and External Influences Converge
The Home Office initiative aims to accommodate up to 500 male asylum seekers at the disused military site as part of broader efforts to reduce reliance on hotel accommodations for individuals awaiting immigration decisions. While many local residents joined the procession, expressing genuine worries about community impact and resource allocation, the event also attracted attention from far-right activists and political groups from across England who sought to amplify their presence.
Among the sea of Union Jacks and Saint George's flags carried by participants, some banners displayed logos of Advance UK, a hard-right political party established by former MEP Ben Habib following his departure from Reform UK. The group has reportedly garnered support from prominent far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known publicly as Tommy Robinson.
Personal Testimonies and Community Reactions
Lynn Hall, a self-described "ordinary concerned mother of two" who traveled from another part of Sussex for the demonstration, expressed emotional distress about the situation. "I feel really emotional about this because this was a site that was used by young cadets and now it is they who have been displaced," she explained. "People have real concerns here about this and it's about the unaccompanied young men who will be living here. I'm not hardline, I'm not political and I don't want to be against anybody but I feel strongly."
Notably, Hall expressed surprise when informed about the political affiliations of the group whose flag she carried, indicating she was unaware of their background and ideological positioning.
Organizational Opposition and Legal Challenges
Crowborough Shield, a voluntary residents' group that describes itself as non-political, is leading legal proceedings against the government's plans and participated actively in the march. The organization has accused Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood of "threatening" Crowborough and similar locations nationwide with asylum housing proposals that they believe lack proper community consultation.
The demonstration wound its way from the former military base past the home of Helen and John Tate, the latter being a lawyer, former senior Home Office civil servant, and deputy parliamentary ombudsman. John Tate commented on the perceived lack of local influence, stating, "As far as the Home Office is concerned we have no say in the matter. The local MP [Nusrat Ghani] has tried to do her best by organising meetings, but it has gone ahead."
Political Dimensions and Security Measures
The protest featured chants directed at Labour leader Keir Starmer, with some participants shouting "Keir Starmer is a wanker" and others using the phrase "Keir Starmer is a traitor." The march was preceded by a vehicle playing techno music and displaying a crucifix alongside right-wing slogans and images of three young girls murdered in Southport.
Sussex Police reported no arrests during Sunday's demonstration, though three individuals were arrested on Saturday following disorder outside the Crowborough camp. Chief Superintendent James Collis acknowledged community concerns, stating, "We know that the use of the Crowborough training camp for asylum accommodation has caused concern within the community. Our police presence has been increased in Crowborough and the surrounding area to provide a clear point of contact for the public for engagement and reassurance."
Government Stance and Wider Implications
During a visit to Crowborough the previous Thursday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed to defend any legal challenge "vigorously" as Wealden District Council considers potential action. She told broadcasters, "I understand the strength of feeling but I do also believe that getting out of asylum hotels is absolutely crucial for the country. We should never have used asylum hotels to house illegal migrants into this country."
Approximately 27 men have been housed at the camp thus far, with Crowborough being one of two military sites identified by the government last year for asylum accommodation, alongside Cameron Barracks in Inverness. The demonstration highlights the complex intersection of local community concerns, national immigration policy, and political activism that continues to shape debates around asylum accommodation across the United Kingdom.
