Crowborough migrant protest LIVE: Huge crowd descends on army camp housing asylum seekers
Hundreds of people have gathered at an army camp in Crowborough, East Sussex, after asylum seekers were moved into the area.
Images shared online show a number of protesters gathered, waving England and United Kingdom flags. The protest started at the gates of the camp in the East Sussex town at around 10am. People then made their way into the centre.
Britain’s government confirmed on January 22 that the first 27 illegal migrants had been moved into the Crowborough military barracks in East Sussex.
More photos revealed as protests die down for the evening
More photos have revealed some individual protesters at the march in Crowborough from a “stop the boats” labelled Tesla to a dog draped in Union flags.
The “Stop The Boats” Tesla (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
A dog a protest in Crowborough (Image: PA)
Locals react to asylum camp
Some of the protesters have spoken to the BBC about their thoughts on the Asylum camp, with one claiming the group will continue to protest at the camp until it’s closed.
The protestor added: “The organisers will continue to protest until the camp is shut.
“I have family in town over multiple generations – we are scared.”
Another worried about the lack of information to locals said: “We haven’t been informed about anything – we are out here making a stand. Everything in town is being driven by fear.”
No arrests were made during Sunday’s protest
Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “I would like to thank the public at the protest and those affected by the protest for their patience and understanding throughout today, as it ensures we are able to keep everyone safe.
“Our police presence has been increased in Crowborough and the surrounding area to provide a clear point of contact for the public for engagement and reassurance. This presence will continue over the coming weeks.
“Any incidents will be responded to based on threat, harm and risk, in line with our existing processes for preventing crime and responding to calls for service across Sussex.”
More photos show protestors in town centre
More photos show the hundreds of protestors as they made their way into Crowborough town centre.
A march of protesters waving flags, moves through the town centre (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The protestors moved into Crowborough this afternoon (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
More speeches take place
Sarah White, from the Pink Ladies protest movement, a group of women who “are deeply concerned about the future of our country, especially in light of mass immigration and, in particular, illegal immigration,” according to their website
Ryan Bridge, from Raise The Colours, also spoke to hundreds of demonstrators in the crowd.
More video footage shows hundreds marching
More video footage has shown hundreds of protestors descending on Crowborough to join the protests.
Among the march, dozens of Union flags and St George’s flags can be seen flying above the group as several individuals give speeches against the policy.
Video from the protest
Here is a short video from the protest posted on X by a local radio station.
Protest moved to the town centre
This morning, the protest started at the gates of the camp in the East Sussex town at around 10am. Protesters then made their way into the centre.
‘Plans sparked mixed reactions’
Plans to house asylum seekers were first announced in October and sparked mixed reactions from the community.
Some were concerned about safety and the potential impact on local services, though others called for compassion, the BBC reported.
Photo from the protest
Hundreds of people joined the protest where chants of ‘Keir Starmer is a traitor’ were heard.
(Image: Getty)
‘Wrong decision’
The BBC also reported that Wealden District Council leader James Partridge said housing asylum seekers at the Crowborough site was the wrong decision, adding the authority was considering a legal challenge.
Speaking to the BBC, he also added: “Whilst we know a lot of people will be angry, frightened and worried about this, we’re going to have to try and find a way to make the best of it and certainly not make matters worse.
“I hope everyone will come together in the way we did when the Afghan families and Ukrainian refugees arrived.”
Residents’ concerns were ‘legitimate and valid’
Nus Ghani told the BBC the concerns of residents were “legitimate and valid”. She said that the army training site was “one of the most active in the South East”, with 6,000 people training there in 2025, while some Crowborough residents said that it would be fine, if “controlled,” BBC Radio Sussex reported.
Residents are ‘incredibly anxious’
The local MP said residents are “incredibly anxious” after the first 27 asylum seekers were moved into the site.
People gather to protest the government’s decision
Here is another photo from the protest.
(Image: Getty)
The site will house more than 500 illegal migrants
The Crowborough Training Camp is a former military site. It is understood it will eventually house more than 500 illegal migrants.
Get More of Our News on Google
Set Daily Express as a ‘Preferred Source’ to get quicker access to the news you value.
27 illegal migrants have been moved into the military barracks
Britain’s government confirmed on January 22 that the first 27 illegal migrants had been moved into the Crowborough military barracks in East Sussex.
Don’t miss
Three people arrested at UK military base housing asylum seekers
The English county named on list of world’s best places to visit in 2026
‘Shameful, reckless and no engagement’ – locals react after small boat migrants bussed in
Australian Open private meeting details shared after ‘massive battle’ over Iga Swiatek
M6 Birmingham crash LIVE as police shut off busy motorway after ‘serious collision’
‘Greatest drama series ever made’ has 92% Rotten Tomato rating – I re-watch it every year
Kensington fire LIVE: 60 firefighters tackle rooftop blaze on High Street
ITV’s gripping new drama Betrayal almost had different ending as ‘dark’ twist unveiled
Roy Keane blasts ‘silly’ Michael Carrick idea after Man Utd win at Arsenal
Two men die and pregnant woman hospitalised after drowning at Never Never River
Crowborough locals issue doomsday migrant camp warning ‘this is coming for ALL of Britain’
Pretty ‘hidden’ village is also one of Britain’s ‘poshest’ with homes averaging £410k
Australian Open bosses respond as Carlos Alcaraz told to remove banned device in match
Hydrangeas will give you ‘glorious blooms every year’ if you stop making 1 common mistake
Three people arrested at UK military base housing asylum seekers
The English county named on list of world’s best places to visit in 2026
People gather to protest decision to house asylum seekers
A march of protesters waving flags, moved through the town centre, away from the entrance to the Crowborough Training Camp today (Sunday, January 25).
(Image: Getty)
Most Popular Comments
1st Most liked comment • 16 hours ago126
“Crowborough says no, the UK says no but politicians say stuff you. Time to rehouse them all in politicians homes! When will starma take his share? “
2nd Most liked comment • 16 hours ago88
“ICE for UK”
3rd Most liked comment • 16 hours ago57
“There should be more and more protests everytime 2tier dumps his cr im inal pals in …”