The financial burden of policing a contentious migrant camp in East Sussex has emerged as a significant concern, with costs potentially exceeding £5.5 million. This figure has been reported in light of the government’s plans to accommodate up to 526 individuals at the former army base, which has already begun housing around 27 men. The initiative aims to eliminate the use of hotels for asylum seekers, a move that has sparked debate and unrest among local residents.
Policing at the site is set to include round-the-clock security, CCTV surveillance, and police checks for all new arrivals. These extensive security measures, while intended to alleviate community fears, could substantially impact public finances. According to Kay Bourne, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex, the estimated costs for providing the necessary officers and technology are based on the assumption that the camp will operate for a full year.
The situation escalated recently when three individuals were arrested outside the facility following incidents described by police as involving “threatening and intimidatory behavior.” Local authorities detained a 36-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman from Crowborough, along with a 54-year-old man from Newhaven, under the Public Order Act.
Local Residents Voice Strong Opposition
Since the announcement of the camp’s conversion from the Ministry of Defence to the Home Office last October, Crowborough residents have expressed their concerns vocally. Thousands have taken to the streets each weekend, demanding greater transparency and consultation from officials. Many have highlighted worries about safety and the impact on local children. A large demonstration is scheduled for January 25, 2024, coinciding with reports that the first group of migrants was “smuggled” into the site.
In response to the community’s concerns, the Crowborough Shield residents group has initiated a crowdfunding campaign, successfully raising over £96,000 to support potential legal action against the Home Office. The group has criticized the lack of clarity regarding the decision-making process for the camp’s development.
Andrew Tuck, a long-time resident of Crowborough, has voiced his frustration, stating, “Personally, I think the government needs to sit up and take responsibility for what they should be doing, which is protecting the residents of this country. We should come first.”
Government Officials Stand Firm
During a recent visit to the site, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood addressed the outcry and affirmed her commitment to defending any legal challenges against the camp’s establishment. She acknowledged the community’s strong feelings but emphasized the necessity of moving away from using hotels to house asylum seekers. “I understand the strength of feeling but I do also believe that getting out of asylum hotels is absolutely crucial for the country,” Mahmood stated. “We should have never used asylum hotels to house illegal migrants.”
As the situation unfolds, the financial implications of policing and the ongoing protests from local residents suggest that the controversy surrounding the migrant camp in East Sussex is far from resolved. The government’s approach to managing this facility will likely remain under scrutiny as both community members and officials navigate this complex issue.
