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Wealden Council Signals Legal Challenge to Crowborough Asylum Camp Plan

A one-year plan to house about 600 asylum seekers at the Crowborough military camp has drawn a safety-focused objection from Green deputy leader Rachel Millward.

Overview

  • The Ministry of Defence has offered Crowborough training camp to the Home Office for 12 months as part of efforts to move asylum seekers out of hotels.
  • Ruling Alliance for Wealden councillors said after local meetings that they intend to pursue legal action challenging the plan.
  • In a joint letter, Rachel Millward and council leader James Partridge warned that placing 600 men on one site with no right to work poses significant risks and could strain policing, staffing and local services.
  • The Home Office said it is working closely with local authorities, police and community partners to ensure safe operation, and reaffirmed its goal to close every asylum hotel.
  • Hundreds of residents have protested locally, while Conservative figures and commentators accused Millward of hypocrisy over her stance.