Sussex's Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne has shared the below regarding the announcement by the Home Office to temporarily house approximately 600 adult asylum seekers at the Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex:
“There has been absolutely no consultation with residents or elected representatives like me and our Members of Parliament. Local people are understandably worried about the safety of their families and children and the impact on local services.
“As recent alarming cases show there is a real risk that, among the many genuine asylum-seekers arriving on small boats, there are likely to be a number of criminals.
“We need evidence that the Home Office and Immigration Services know who they are so, if they go missing, police can find them.
“If the Government wants to move migrants out of hotels to save public money and reduce community tensions, they should use sites with suitable amenities and not close to our residential town centres and schools.
“Sussex Police and residents need reassurances about the security of the site because it is not acceptable or safe to have to move officers from elsewhere in order to deal with incidents that may occur.
“Along with our local MPs, I am calling on the Government to hold a proper consultation with the community - this site was rejected under the previous Government so what has changed?
“I will also be seeking dedicated extra funding for Sussex Police to support the additional patrols and police presence that will be needed to reassure residents and to bolster their response capacity in the area.”
The Commissioner has received assurances from the Chief Constable of Sussex Police that the force will work with the Home Office and Wealden District Council going forwards, as they are the bodies responsible for overseeing any accommodation arrangements.
Sussex Police will also continue to monitor events, provide a normal intelligence-led policing presence and respond to and investigate any crimes impartially and without fear or favour.
To translate these calls into action, the Commissioner has now written to the Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum and also to the Home Secretary, directly raising her concerns regarding: the location; seeking assurances about the identification and vetting of any individuals accommodated at the camp; and has formally requested funding for any additional costs incurred by policing.
PCC Katy Bourne continues:
“I want to reassure the residents of Crowborough that I have heard your concerns loud and clear. The lack of prior consultation with local people, elected representatives like me, and public service providers, is deeply concerning.
“For me, this is not about playing politics - it’s about public safety, transparency and ensuring that I represent your concerns at the highest levels.
“I will be discussing this matter directly with our Chief Constable at my next Performance and Accountability Meeting on 20 November, which will be webcast live.
“I encourage residents to tune in and hear how Sussex Police are preparing to support Crowborough and the surrounding areas.
“My priority is and remains the safety and wellbeing of all Sussex residents and I will continue to advocate for their best interests.”
