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A demonstration against the proposed housing of asylum seekers at a military facility in East Sussex drew hundreds of participants. The government’s recent announcement of plans to accommodate 600 individuals at a training camp near Crowborough sparked concern among locals. Resident Keith Brown expressed apprehension, stating that introducing a large number of undocumented young men into a small town could lead to issues.
Meanwhile, a Home Office spokesperson emphasized the importance of upholding the right to protest, underscoring its significance in a democratic society. Residents like Ben Grant and Rachel Nichols voiced anxieties about safety and the strain on community resources. The BBC reported that some vulnerable members of the community, particularly women and the elderly, felt uneasy following the council meeting.
Refugee charity Care4Calais’s Steve Smith raised issues regarding the suitability of the proposed site, describing the army camp as dilapidated and costly to renovate. Smith highlighted the government’s duty, under the Refugee Convention, to provide housing for those in need. Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne shared residents’ dismay at the lack of consultation and communication surrounding the migrant camp plan, denouncing its sudden imposition on the local community.
The decision to explore military sites as alternative accommodation for asylum seekers aims to alleviate pressure on communities and optimize resource allocation. Wealden District Council’s dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the situation is evident in their calls for a reconsideration of the plans. The council underlined concerns related to staffing, police presence, and the impact on public services. The government’s commitment to transitioning away from housing asylum seekers in hotels aligns with its promise to address the issue before the upcoming election, ensuring compliance with safety and security standards at the proposed site
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