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MP slams extended use of Crowborough camp for asylum-seekers

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Wednesday, 1 July, 2026
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The Argus

Plans to extend the use of a military training camp to house asylum-seekers have sparked fresh anger about the arrangement.

In the months since asylum-seekers first moved into Crowborough Training Camp, it has been the subject of a campaign, petition, and protests.

However, the Home Office now plans to keep using the East Sussex site until 2030.

On June 26, the government announced plans to increase the use of large sites like Crowborough for housing asylum-seekers in line with its pledge to reduce the use of asylum hotels.

Nusrat Ghani, Conservative MP for Sussex Weald has led the criticism of the move, calling it a "blow for Crowborough residents."

Ms Ghani said: "I have told the Minister I will not accept the contempt with which his government is treating us by refusing to consult or have any meaningful engagement with local people."


She further accused Wealden District Council Green & Liberal Democrat leadership of having "not done their due diligence, wasted time and failed to investigate ministers, putting their political views on asylum seekers before the needs of local people."

However, a spokesperson for Wealden District Council, which covers the Crowborough site, previously said it had “consistently raised concerns" about a lack of communication from the Home Office.

They said: "A lack of timely information, meaningful early engagement and transparency is unacceptable and continues to make it harder for local communities and partners to plan for and manage the impact of these decisions.

"While the site has operated relatively well to date, this is largely due to the dedication of local volunteers and partner organisations supporting those on site.

"If the site is to remain in use, the Home Office must provide significantly greater support and resources to the voluntary sector, alongside appropriate investment in the local community to help mitigate impacts and support residents."

The news of the site's extended use also drew condemnation from campaign group Crowborough Shield CIC, which is launching a legal challenge against the Home Office decision.

Co-chairwoman Kim Bailey said: "The people of Crowborough will again be disappointed, but not surprised, by this announcement."

The group argues that large-scale military-style asylum accommodation is neither cost-effective nor appropriate for small communities.

The original article is available here.

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In Sussex Weald, we are good people. We have always been welcoming to people who were in need of help and a temporary home.

Nusrat Ghani MP statement following latest meeting with Home Office Minister Alex Norris on Crowborough Training Camp

Thursday, 2 July, 2026
Following the media news of the Home Office’s plans to extend the use of the Crowborough Training Camp as asylum accommodation until 2030, Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, secured an urgent meeting with Home Office Minister Alex Norris MP to scrutinise the Home Office and share concerns of local r

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