Protests Erupt in Crowborough Over Asylum Seeker Accommodation at Military Site
Published 25 January 2026
Highlights
- Thousands protested in Crowborough against the UK government's plan to house asylum seekers at a former military site.
- The government aims to reduce hotel use for asylum seekers, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stating Crowborough is the start.
- Local residents and far-right activists participated in the protest, expressing concerns over safety and community impact.
- Crowborough Shield, a local group, is leading a legal challenge against the government's plans.
- The Home Office maintains the site is secure, with 24/7 security and strict sign-in processes.
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Rewritten Article
Protests Erupt in Crowborough Over Asylum Seeker Accommodation at Military Site
Thousands of demonstrators marched through Crowborough, East Sussex, over the weekend to voice their opposition to the UK government's decision to house asylum seekers at a former military camp. The protest, which drew participants from the local community and far-right activists from across England, marks the largest demonstration against the government's asylum accommodation policy in the area.
Government's New Asylum Policy
The Home Office recently began relocating asylum seekers to the Crowborough site as part of a broader initiative to phase out the use of hotels, which have been deemed costly and unsustainable. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that this move is a step towards ending the reliance on hotels, which previously cost the government £9 million daily. The Crowborough site, which can accommodate up to 500 male asylum seekers, was previously used to house Afghan families evacuated from Kabul in 2021.
Local and National Reactions
The protest saw a mix of local residents and far-right activists, with many expressing concerns about safety and the impact on the community. Crowborough Shield, a local residents' group, is spearheading a legal challenge against the government's plans, accusing the Home Secretary of imposing unwanted changes on the town. "People have real concerns here about this," said Lynn Hall, a local participant. "It's about the unaccompanied young men who will be living here."
Security and Legal Measures
Despite the protests, the Home Office insists that the site is secure, featuring 24/7 security, CCTV, and strict sign-in processes for residents. Sussex Police reported that three individuals were arrested during a disorder outside the site on Saturday, but no arrests were made during Sunday's protest. The local MP, Nus Ghani, has voiced her constituents' anxieties and is seeking assurances from the Home Office regarding the site's safety and compliance.
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Scenario Analysis
The situation in Crowborough highlights the tensions surrounding the UK government's asylum accommodation strategy. As the government continues to implement its policy of relocating asylum seekers to military sites, similar protests may arise in other communities. The legal challenge led by Crowborough Shield could set a precedent for other towns facing similar plans. If successful, it might compel the government to reconsider or modify its approach. Meanwhile, the involvement of far-right activists in such protests could further polarize public opinion, potentially influencing future policy decisions and local elections.
Thousands of demonstrators marched through Crowborough, East Sussex, over the weekend to voice their opposition to the UK government's decision to house asylum seekers at a former military camp. The protest, which drew participants from the local community and far-right activists from across England, marks the largest demonstration against the government's asylum accommodation policy in the area.
Government's New Asylum Policy
The Home Office recently began relocating asylum seekers to the Crowborough site as part of a broader initiative to phase out the use of hotels, which have been deemed costly and unsustainable. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that this move is a step towards ending the reliance on hotels, which previously cost the government £9 million daily. The Crowborough site, which can accommodate up to 500 male asylum seekers, was previously used to house Afghan families evacuated from Kabul in 2021.
Local and National Reactions
The protest saw a mix of local residents and far-right activists, with many expressing concerns about safety and the impact on the community. Crowborough Shield, a local residents' group, is spearheading a legal challenge against the government's plans, accusing the Home Secretary of imposing unwanted changes on the town. "People have real concerns here about this," said Lynn Hall, a local participant. "It's about the unaccompanied young men who will be living here."
Security and Legal Measures
Despite the protests, the Home Office insists that the site is secure, featuring 24/7 security, CCTV, and strict sign-in processes for residents. Sussex Police reported that three individuals were arrested during a disorder outside the site on Saturday, but no arrests were made during Sunday's protest. The local MP, Nus Ghani, has voiced her constituents' anxieties and is seeking assurances from the Home Office regarding the site's safety and compliance.
What this might mean
The situation in Crowborough highlights the tensions surrounding the UK government's asylum accommodation strategy. As the government continues to implement its policy of relocating asylum seekers to military sites, similar protests may arise in other communities. The legal challenge led by Crowborough Shield could set a precedent for other towns facing similar plans. If successful, it might compel the government to reconsider or modify its approach. Meanwhile, the involvement of far-right activists in such protests could further polarize public opinion, potentially influencing future policy decisions and local elections.
