An MP has raised fresh concerns over a government plan to house asylum seekers at a military training camp.
Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, has strongly objected to the Home Office’s proposal to extend its use of Crowborough Training Camp as asylum accommodation until 2030.
She recently secured an urgent meeting with Home Office Minister Alex Norris to discuss the matter on July 1.
Ms Ghani said: "As your local champion, I am using every opportunity to raise Crowborough time and time again in Westminster, and I continue to hold the Minister to account on their failure to consult with local residents and share their plans.
"I told the Minister that 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."
Ms Ghani was joined at the meeting by neighbouring MPs Mims Davies and Dr Kieran Mullan, as well as Crowborough councillors Andrew Wilson and Michael Lunn and resident Jeanette Towey.
She raised concerns about the safety of cadets and repeated her objections over the lack of consultation and evidence that the site is "safe, legal and compliant."
Ms Ghani also questioned how Wealden District Council is spending the £1,200 it receives per asylum seeker from central government.
She said: "We asked the Minister to ensure taxpayers’ money sent to Wealden District Council was being spent on the community to reduce the impact on local resources.
"The Minister agreed to work with us to get Wealden District Council to be open and accountable on how it was spending the £1,200 it was paid per asylum seeker."
A representative from the Home Office is expected to attend the council’s next scrutiny meeting to address unanswered questions.
Ms Ghani also criticised the district council’s leadership.
She said: "Once again, we are let down and disappointed that the power sharing Green and Liberal Democrat coalition in charge of Wealden District Council is yet to use any of its planning legal powers to challenge the Home Office’s plans."
Ms Ghani said she will continue to push for the camp to be returned to the community.
The original article is available here.
