First Asylum Seekers to Arrive at East Sussex Barracks in New Year
26/12/2025 — Oxford · 2 min read
First Asylum Seekers to Arrive at East Sussex Barracks in New Year
The Home Office plans to send the first group of asylum seekers to a military site in East Sussex in the new year. Discussions are ongoing to use the Crowborough army training camp as part of efforts to end the use of hotels for asylum accommodation.
The Home Office is preparing to send the first group of asylum seekers to a military site in East Sussex in the new year. This move is part of a broader effort to transition away from using hotels for asylum accommodation. The Crowborough army training camp has been identified as a potential site for this initiative, with discussions currently underway in Whitehall.
The decision to use the Crowborough site has sparked protests from local residents and has led to threats of legal action from both the council and a community group. Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to its plan, aiming to address the ongoing issue of asylum accommodation. The transition to using military sites is seen as a step towards more sustainable solutions for housing asylum seekers.
Programme Details
The plan to utilise the Crowborough army training camp is part of a larger strategy to phase out the use of hotels for asylum seekers. This approach is intended to provide more stable and long-term accommodation solutions. The discussions in Whitehall are focused on finalising the logistics and addressing any legal or community concerns that may arise.
Local opposition has been vocal, with residents expressing concerns about the impact on their community. The council and a community group have both indicated their intention to pursue legal action if necessary. Despite these hurdles, the Home Office is moving forward with its plans, emphasising the need for change in the current system of asylum accommodation.
Timeline
The first group of asylum seekers is expected to arrive at the Crowborough site in the new year. This timeline is contingent on the resolution of ongoing discussions and any potential legal challenges. The government is working to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place to facilitate a smooth transition.
As the new year approaches, the focus remains on addressing the logistical and community aspects of this initiative. The Home Office is committed to implementing this change as part of its broader strategy to improve the asylum accommodation system. The outcome of this initiative will be closely watched as it unfolds in the coming weeks.
Story inspired by reporting from The Guardian.