Protesters March in Crowborough After Former Military Base Becomes Asylum Camp for 540 Male Migrants

Crowds have taken to the streets of Crowborough, Sussex, after a former military base was turned into an asylum camp for up to 540 male migrants despite fierce local opposition over safety and stretched resources. The Mail has the story:

Huge crowds of residents gathered today holding banners that read “Crowborough says no”, while counter demonstrators also turned up raising signs saying “Migrants welcome”, “Kindness is our strength” and “Stronger together”. 

Sussex Police enforced strict new rules for the protest – organised by local campaign group ’Crowborough Says No’ – by banning face coverings. 

The protest, which involved families and young children, began at the military site and moved into the town centre. 

It came as up to 500 councillors across Britain are considering following the ‘Piddington blueprint’ after the Oxfordshire village voted to declare independence from the UK over plans to outnumber locals with male asylum seekers.

Residents in Piddington voted 285 to 26 in a symbolic referendum after the Government announced plans to convert a former military base into a camp for 1,256 male asylum seekers.

Since the Home Office proposals in June, locals have warned the male migrants would outnumber the 350 villagers by nearly four to one and increase the risk of crime.

The referendum result, which was declared on Wednesday morning, carries no legal weight – but campaigners wanted to send a message to Westminster. 

While it is unknown whether Crowborough is considering following the blueprint, locals there have also protested tirelessly in a bid to stop the site in their area going ahead. 

Plans to use the camp for housing migrants were first announced last October by the Government, before the move was confirmed in January – sparking the demonstrations. 

Worth reading in full.