Hundreds of demonstrators have taken to the streets of an East Sussex town that is housing migrants at a former army training camp, with chants of 'Keir Starmer is a traitor' echoing through the community. Locals in Crowborough gathered at the gates of the camp before marching into the town centre, marking the fourteenth consecutive week of protests against the Labour government's controversial plans.
Sustained Community Opposition
Around 450 male asylum seekers are set to move into the barracks as part of a government initiative to reduce reliance on hotels for migrant accommodation. Protesters, braving poor weather conditions, have vowed to continue their demonstrations for 'months on end' until the migrants leave the camp. The chants heard during the march included 'whose town, our town' and 'whose street? Our street', reflecting deep-seated local concerns.
Residents Voice Safety Fears
Many residents expressed significant anxiety about the situation. Some women in the town have reportedly become too scared to leave their homes, citing safety concerns. Alison Smith, a Crowborough resident for nearly fifty years, attended her first protest series and stated: 'We are absolutely enraged that there has been no consultation with the Home Office at all apart from one online meeting.'
Michael Enfield, 45, emphasised the protesters' determination: 'We will keep going week after week. We will not stop until they are gone. If that takes years, so be it. It's the only way we have of getting our message out there.' He referenced crimes linked to other migrant hotels as a primary concern, adding: 'We do not want this here. It is not the right place for them, or us. We are living in fear.'
Political and Policing Controversies
The protests have sparked political repercussions, particularly regarding the Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex, Katy Bourne. She has been censured after attending a protest outside the camp in November, with critics accusing her of compromising impartiality. A crime panel declared they had lost confidence in her, claiming she 'brought the office into disrepute'. Bourne, who is running to become the first Sussex mayor, defended her actions, stating she was 'on trial for doing my job' and called the motion a 'co-ordinated personal attack on my integrity.'
Security Measures and Home Office Response
A major security operation is in force to maintain peace, including drone surveillance. The site currently accommodates single adult male asylum seekers and is planned to scale up to hold more than 500 individuals. The Home Office has outlined that asylum seekers will be registered with an on-site medic to minimise impact on local GP services, though this assurance has done little to placate residents already struggling with appointment shortages.
Debbie, another longtime resident in her 60s, criticised the Home Office's approach as 'flippant', noting: 'The Home Office have committed to giving 48 hours notice, they gave less than 12 hours. They must be ashamed of what they've done, which is why they moved them under cover of darkness.'
Community Solidarity and Future Plans
The protest culminated with speeches from local figures, including independent district councillor Andrew Wilson, who remarked that 'parents are thinking twice about letting their kids walk alone in the streets'. Ryan Stuart, a 39-year-old decorator, expressed anger that the town felt ignored: 'I think we're all being taken as fools. I'll march forever until they go. We will not give up.'
Demonstrators held banners with messages like 'Crowborough says no' and 'protect our community', and Union Jack flags were prominently displayed during the two-mile march from the army camp to chapel green. More marches are scheduled in the coming weeks, as the community shows no signs of relenting in its opposition to the migrant housing plans.
