Crowbrough asylum camp could stay open until 2030, council claims

An army base housing asylum seekers in Crowborough could remain open until 2030, Wealden District Council has claimed.

The extension was revealed after the council uncovered new court documents detailing how two Government departments agreed between themselves to allow the camp the option to remain open for another 4 years.

The council claims it was repeatedly told by the Labour Government and Home Office Minister Alex Norris MP the camp was only a temporary measure and would be open for no longer than 12 months.

Councillors say the revelation has left them "deeply dismayed and disappointed".

Leader of the council, Green Party Councillor Rachel Millward, said: "Everyone round here is wearily familiar with the Home Office’s inability to make a decision.

"People whose lives are directly affected by that are left guessing.

"Why can’t the minister [Mr Norris] have the courage to tell it how it is and outline a plan, instead of hidden conversations behind closed doors?"

She continued: "The entire project has been disastrously handled by the Home Office with a shocking lack of communication.

"We struggle to understand how the Home Office can justify such poor mismanagement.

"We have asked the Minister Alex Norris for an urgent explanation."

The Home Office told the council on Tuesday "no decision has been made" over the future of Crowborough base.

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GB News has approached the Home Office for comment.

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