Activists are concerned that asylum seekers escaping conflict may experience further trauma if housed near a police firearms training center. The UK government’s recent decision to temporarily house 600 individuals at a military camp near Crowborough, East Sussex, has sparked criticism due to its proximity to the Sussex Police Training Centre, where activities such as firearms, taser, and police dog drills take place.
Nicola David from One Life to Live expressed worries about the potential retraumatization of asylum seekers, emphasizing the impact of gunfire sounds on individuals fleeing war and persecution. Tim Naor Hilton, CEO of Refugee Action, echoed these concerns, highlighting the dangers of accommodating vulnerable people in military camps. Hilton emphasized the need for long-term solutions to address the housing crisis affecting all individuals, including asylum seekers.
Nathan Phillips of Asylum Matters emphasized the importance of community-based housing for asylum seekers, criticizing the unsuitability of the Crowborough accommodation due to the unsettling sounds of gunfire and explosions. These concerns arose following the Home Office’s insufficient communication about the plans for housing asylum seekers at the camp.
Despite assurances from the Home Office about the camp’s facilities and safety measures, worries remain about staffing, public services strain, and overall public safety. Various organizations, including Conversation Over Borders and Care4Calais, have raised human rights and financial concerns regarding the use of military sites for asylum accommodation.
While the government argues that military sites offer cost-effective and community-friendly solutions, critics, including the Labour Party, are calling for alternative housing options. Sussex Police declined to provide further details about the police training site due to operational reasons.
The government has been contacted for a response to these concerns.