Protests continue over Crowborough asylum seeker camp

Protesters opposed to the housing of asylum seekers at a military site in East Sussex have continued to demonstrate.

People marched through Crowborough on Sunday protesting the government's decision to use the town's army training camp for asylum accommodation.

A High Court judge ruled on Friday that a judicial review into the government's decision could not proceed after the first occupants were brought to the camp in January.

The Home Office said the government was "removing the incentives drawing illegal migrants to Britain".

"That is why we will close every single asylum hotel, moving illegal migrants into basic accommodation like military barracks," a spokesperson said.

Several demonstrations have taken place opposing the government's plans in Crowborough since the proposal was first announced.

More than 500 male, adult asylum seekers are expected to be eventually housed at the site at a time, according to the latest Home Office information.

The military site was previously used to accommodate Afghan families evacuated during the withdrawal from Kabul in 2021, according to the government.

Protester Marmaduke Astley told the BBC on Sunday: "We're not protesting against the migrants, our anger is directed at the government because we weren't consulted.

"The American revolution happened with 'no taxation without representation', that's how we feel here."

Sharna McNicholas, a member of Crowborough Says No, said "rain or shine, we're always here".

"Five hundred and forty undocumented men walking the streets at any time isn't going to be safe for any town, let alone a small place like Crowborough," she told the BBC.

According to the Home Office, mandatory security checks are conducted on all asylum seekers.

Campaign group Crowborough Shield had argued at the High Court that the Home Office made decisions on the proposal without public consultation.

A judge rejected the application for a judicial review on the grounds that it was brought before a final decision to use the site was taken, saying the group had "jumped the gun".

However, he added that challenges on the final decision could be brought in future.

Crowborough Shield said it planned to relaunch its claim.

Astley said "we've just got to keep going" and that the legal setback was "going to make people more defiant, not less".

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.