Crowborough protesters march against migrant camp ‘danger’ decision | UK | News
Hundreds of people took to the streets of Crowborough after the government’s plan to continue using a former military base to house immigrants until 2030 sparked a new protest.
Campaigners marched into East Sussex town center from Crowborough Training Camp, a former Army barracks now used to house migrants crossing the Channel in small boats, days after ministers announced the site would remain in use for another five years. Families and young children also joined the demonstration and were met with a smaller counter-protest after reaching the city centre.
The extension was announced earlier this week, despite claims that Home Office officials had previously told council leaders they had “categorically denied” that the arrangement would continue beyond this year.
Counter-protesters held signs reading “one world, one love” and “everyone is our neighbor.”
Those opposing the use of the camp outnumbered the counter-demonstration, chanting “Keir Starmer is a traitor” and “whose streets, our streets”.
Protesters also said: “We are all getting poorer, no help for Britain’s suffering but we are helping those beyond our borders.
“Hospitals are at breaking point, mental health is at an all-time high. We must all stand together. Our screams must be heard.”
The march was led by a silver Ford van decorated with British flags and signs saying “stop the boats” and “Crowborough says no”. According to the DVLA, the vehicle’s inspection period expired on June 5, 23 days before the protest.
Among those attending was Sandra March, 49, who explained why she believes the continued use of military space poses a risk to local people.
He said: “This is a disgrace. It’s disgusting. It’s a danger to our society.
“Hundreds of unvetted and unnamed men roaming this town. Going out alone makes women uncomfortable. This is a diabolical decision.
“Officers should hang their heads in shame.”
Another demonstrator said that residents of the area left the area because of the camp and that people no longer feel safe.
Protesters said: “People left the area because of the camp. People don’t feel safe. We were told it wouldn’t last longer than a year. Now it’s another four years.”
“It’s shocking. What’s the point of paying our council tax? Nobody voted for it.”
The demonstration comes just days after Labor called for more migrants to be “put on a plane home” as ministers announced plans to expand refugee accommodation by bringing three more former military sites into use.
Planning applications have been submitted to convert RAF Barnham in Suffolk, RAF Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire and a former Army barracks in Bicester, Oxfordshire, into accommodation for refugees.
Ministers have also proposed expanding and extending the use of existing facilities, including Crowborough, by 2030 and Wethersfield from 2027 onwards.
Taken together, the plans will create up to 5,000 additional bed spaces for migrants arriving in the UK on small boats.
Previous proposals to house up to 1,500 refugees at RAF Linton-on-Ouse were canceled in 2022 following protests from local residents and a legal challenge brought by the council.
