Asylum seekers escaping conflict zones may face emotional distress if placed near a police firearms testing facility, activists warn.
The government has revealed a proposal to house 600 individuals temporarily at a military training camp near Crowborough, East Sussex. However, this location is in close proximity, just 1.2 miles away, from the Sussex Police Training Centre, Kingstanding, where activists claim firearm, taser, and police dog drills take place.
Campaigners, including Nicola David from One Life to Live, express concerns about the potential retraumatization of asylum seekers by the sounds of shooting and explosive detection activities near the camp. Tim Naor Hilton, CEO of Refugee Action, emphasizes the unsuitability of large military camps as accommodation for those seeking safety, citing risks of harm and suicide highlighted in a recent Home Affairs Committee report.
Nathan Phillips, head of campaigns at Asylum Matters, stresses the importance of housing asylum seekers in communities rather than camps, pointing out that the presence of gunfire and explosions makes Crowborough an inappropriate sanctuary for these individuals.
The Home Office’s director of asylum accommodation, Andrew Larter, has apologized for lack of transparency regarding the Crowborough plans, clarifying that the cost of housing asylum seekers at the camp would be similar to hotels but with more basic living conditions. He assures that the camp, designed for approximately 540 people, will offer essential services and facilities, with ongoing assessments to ensure safety and compliance.
Concerns have been raised regarding staffing, police support, strain on public services, and overall public safety at the camp. Protests have erupted against the plans, with the Wealden District Council exploring legal options.
Critics, such as Conversation Over Borders and Steve Smith of Care4Calais, caution against potential human rights violations and financial wastage in using military bases for asylum accommodation. The Home Office defends its decision, citing better outcomes for taxpayers and reduced community impact, while the Labour Party promises to phase out hotel accommodations before the upcoming election.
Sussex Police confirms the usage of the Kingstanding site for training purposes but declines to provide further details for operational reasons. The government has been contacted for a response.