Overview
- East Sussex councillor Anne Cross said she and her grandchildren made Valentine’s cards to present anonymously to men housed at the Crowborough training camp this weekend.
- Nusrat Ghani, the local MP and Deputy Speaker, called the move disturbing and raised safeguarding concerns, while other critics and residents voiced alarm.
- Cross defended the gesture as a common welcoming practice used by local groups and schools, arguing there is no evidence asylum seekers pose greater risk to women or children.
- About 27 men moved into the site in late January, with capacity for up to roughly 500 single male asylum seekers under 24/7 security with CCTV and sign‑in procedures, according to the Home Office.
- Sussex Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner estimate about £5.62 million in extra policing costs as weekly protests continue, and the Home Office frames the camp as part of its push to move people out of hotels.