As campaigners express concern, asylum seekers escaping war zones may face renewed trauma if located near a police firearms testing facility. The government’s recent proposal to house 600 individuals temporarily at a military training camp near Crowborough, East Sussex, has raised objections due to its proximity to the Sussex Police Training Centre, Kingstanding, just 1.2 miles away. Activists argue that the centre is utilized for firearms, taser, and police dog exercises.
Nicola David from One Life to Live, an advocate against large-scale asylum seeker containment sites, highlighted the potential distress caused by gun sounds audible from the Crowborough Training Camp. She emphasized the risk of retraumatizing those fleeing war, conflict, and persecution. Concerns were also raised about the possibility of explosive detonations during dog training exercises, further exacerbating the trauma.
Refugee Action’s Chief Executive, Tim Naor Hilton, criticized the use of large military camps as accommodation for asylum seekers, citing the Home Affairs Committee’s warning about suicide and harm risks in such sites. He urged the government to prioritize addressing the national housing crisis and invest in long-term solutions to provide adequate housing for all individuals in need, including asylum seekers.
Nathan Phillips, head of campaigns at Asylum Matters, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the unsuitability of housing asylum seekers in a camp setting. The noise of gunfire and explosions at the Crowborough location was highlighted as further evidence of its inadequacy for individuals seeking sanctuary.
The Home Office’s director of asylum accommodation recently apologized for the lack of detail regarding the Crowborough plans. He assured concerned locals and councillors that the accommodation costs would be similar to hotels but with less comfort. He mentioned plans for the camp to be self-contained, including health and recreational facilities, and emphasized ongoing assessments to ensure safety, legality, and compliance.
Various concerns have been raised, including staffing issues, police presence, strain on public services, and public safety. Protesters have expressed dissatisfaction with the plans, and legal actions are being considered by Wealden District Council. Organizations like Conversation Over Borders and Care4Calais have criticized the use of military bases for housing asylum seekers, citing human rights concerns and inefficiency in resource allocation.
The government defended the use of military sites, claiming better outcomes for taxpayers and reduced community impact. The Labour Party pledged to cease using hotels for asylum accommodation before the next election. Sussex Police confirmed the nature of the Kingstanding site but could not provide further details for operational reasons.
The government has been contacted for a response to the concerns raised.