Asylum seekers escaping conflict zones may experience renewed trauma if housed close to a police firearms training center, activists warn. The government’s recent proposal to temporarily shelter 600 individuals at a military camp near Crowborough, East Sussex, has raised concerns due to its proximity to the Sussex Police Training Centre, Kingstanding, where firearms, taser, and police dog exercises are conducted.
Campaigners, including Nicola David from One Life to Live, argue that the sounds of shooting and explosives training at the nearby police facility could trigger traumatic memories for asylum seekers who have fled war and persecution. Tim Naor Hilton, Chief Executive of Refugee Action, emphasized that large military camps are not suitable for accommodating people seeking safety, citing risks highlighted by the Home Affairs Committee.
Nathan Phillips of Asylum Matters echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of providing housing in communities rather than isolated camps where the sound of gunfire and explosions makes the environment unsuitable for those seeking refuge. The concerns were voiced following the Home Office’s acknowledgment of inadequate information provision regarding the Crowborough plans during a recent meeting with locals and councillors.
Despite assurances from the Home Office about the camp’s self-containment and safety measures, worries persist regarding staffing, police presence, strain on public services, and overall public safety. The controversy has sparked protests and legal considerations by Wealden District Council. Various advocacy groups have criticized the decision to house asylum seekers at a military base, citing human rights concerns and inefficiency in resource allocation.
The debate around the suitability of military sites for asylum accommodation continues, with the government arguing for better outcomes and cost savings. Opposition parties, such as Labour, have pledged to phase out hotel accommodations for asylum seekers. Sussex Police maintained that the training center in question serves multiple agencies and declined to provide further details for operational reasons.
The government has been urged to address these concerns and provide clarity on the suitability and safety of the proposed accommodation for asylum seekers.
