Crowborough military site now half full of asylum seekers (original) (raw)

A military barracks in Crowborough is now housing 350 asylum seekers, according to the Home Office, as the government works to reduce the number of hotels being used for accommodation.

The former cadet training camp is now at more than half of its capacity, nearly three months after the first people moved in.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited the East Sussex town as local Tory MP Nus Ghani criticised the use of the site for asylum seekers saying it had not saved money.

Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris said the government was adding capacity at military sites and intended to do more.

Norris said the military sites provided "safe and humane accommodation".

He said: "We know that the traffickers say 'come to the UK, live in a hotel, work illegally' – well, we're changing that reality."

Peaceful protests were held against the camp in Crowborough, but anti-racism campaigners said they led to tension.

Adam, from Stand Up to Racism, said some protesters targeted asylum seekers, individuals, community spaces and businesses who "feel like they're doing the right thing by welcoming people".