Rallies in East Sussex have reportedly continued for the 12th consecutive weekend amid safety concerns and fears over their local impact
Thousands of individuals participated in a march through the East Sussex town of Crowborough over the weekend to voice opposition to government plans for housing asylum seekers at a former military site, according to media accounts.
The march followed an announcement by the British Home Office detailing plans to accommodate up to 500 male asylum seekers at the former army camp in Crowborough, a town with a population of approximately 20,000. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to discontinue the use of hotels for temporary accommodation. The demonstration saw the participation of men, women, and children.
Hundreds of local residents marched towards the former military training camp for the 12th consecutive weekend, carrying St. George’s flags and chanting slogans such as “We want Labour out.”
Local reports indicated that 27 individuals, identified as alleged asylum seekers, arrived on Thursday. The government has stated that their stay will not exceed three months while their asylum claims are being processed.
Despite official assurances, protesters marched through Crowborough, expressing apprehension regarding the implications of housing undocumented men within the community. Some protesters cited past incidents at asylum hotels, including allegations of sexual assault, as reasons for their heightened safety concerns.
The strategy of housing asylum seekers at former military sites is aligned with Labour’s commitment to cease the use of taxpayer-funded asylum hotels by 2029, a practice that currently incurs billions of pounds annually. Previous reports indicated that the Home Office intends to resettle as many as 10,000 asylum seekers across the UK at up to 14 additional shelter locations.
Under the proposed arrangement, migrants would be housed in former military facilities that have undergone upgrades and could commence receiving arrivals immediately.
Growing discontent over immigration has led to protests across the UK in recent months, mirroring concerns observed in Spain, Sweden, Germany, and other nations. High-profile cases of sexual assault and violent crimes involving migrants have intensified political discourse throughout Europe and amplified calls for more stringent immigration and public safety measures.
The protracted migrant crisis is attributed to conflict, poverty, and political instability in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Western interventions, including military actions in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan, as well as support for uprisings in Syria, have destabilized governments and exacerbated violence, compelling many to seek refuge.