‘Starmer Out’ in Protest Against 600-Migrant Housing Plan

The demonstration, attended by an estimated 2,000 people, followed a heated public meeting earlier in the week where local politicians were shouted down and escorted out of the community centre.

The site, located on the edge of the rural town, has been selected as part of the Labour government’s strategy to reduce reliance on expensive asylum hotels. However, the proposal has sparked intense backlash from locals, who say the plan threatens community safety, overwhelms public services, and risks traumatising vulnerable asylum seekers.

“People Are Installing Panic Alarms”

Some residents reported installing panic alarms due to safety fears, while others expressed concern that registering hundreds of migrants with local GPs would put additional strain on an already overstretched healthcare system.

Kim Bailey, Chair of Crowborough Shield — the grassroots group leading opposition to the plan — said changes to national asylum laws would not ease tensions in the town.

“Twenty years sounds reasonable, but it won’t make any difference to our current situation,” Bailey said.

“The strength of feeling here is incredible. Their whole plan is wrong.”

Bailey argued that housing “unvetted men” next to a police firearms training centre and a public shooting range could create further problems.

“Men with PTSD will be hearing gunshots constantly. They’ll be triggered and try to escape that environment,” she said.

Residents Question Spending and Environmental Impact

Locals criticised the government’s plan to invest millions into a facility allegedly intended for only 12 months of use. They also highlighted environmental concerns, noting that strict planning laws often prevent residents from building homes, yet hundreds of asylum seekers could be moved in rapidly.

Crowborough, a town of just over 20,000 residents near Ashdown Forest – the home of Winnie the Pooh – has seen an unprecedented level of community organising. Speakers at the rally urged residents to remain united.

“This is our town,” Bailey told the crowd. “We need to stand together. Crowborough is setting the stage for what is to come.”

Another protest is already scheduled for next weekend. Local councillor Andrew Wilson encouraged continued demonstrations until the plan is reversed.

Government and NHS Respond

NHS Sussex previously stated that while migrants may register with local GPs, most primary care will be delivered on-site or virtually.

A Home Office spokesperson said the government is “furious” about the level of illegal migration and hotel use.

“This is why work is underway to move asylum seekers into more suitable accommodation such as military bases, to ease pressure on communities across the country. Public safety remains our first priority.”