In a surprising twist, a historic training camp in Crowborough is at the center of a heated debate, as cadets are asked to make way for new arrivals.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) informed the cadets to (Image: Getty)
In a controversial move, cadets have been ordered to vacate their long-standing training camp in rural Crowborough, East Sussex, to accommodate 600 male asylum seekers arriving by small boats, reports Daily Mail.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) informed the cadets to “cease all activity” at the site, previously used by British and Canadian forces during both World Wars , citing concerns over their safety and well-being.
On Wednesday night, the town’s No.8 Detachment of cadets held their final parade at the camp. Residents of Crowborough questioned why the open accommodation, allowing migrants to come and go freely, was considered unsafe for cadets but safe for the wider community.
Jeannette Towey, leader of the Pink Ladies anti-migrant group, expressed her dismay, stating: “It’s a terrible shame and an appalling indictment of the Government that our cadets are being forced out of their longstanding base to make way for 600 undocumented, fighting-age men who we know absolutely nothing about.”
“If the MoD thinks it’s unsafe for cadets, how come the Home Office thinks it’s safe for exactly the same children if they’re in the town?” she added, raising concerns about the potential risks to local children.
MP challenges government over costs and safety
Sussex Weald MP Nusrat Ghani, a former president of Crowborough’s cadets, discovered that the scheme will cost the same as housing the migrants in hotels. She questioned the government’s decision, stating: “This is a unique and precious training camp in constant use that is being handed to asylum seekers at the cost of our cadets.”
“If they couldn’t make the site safe for the cadets, how can they make it safe for local people? It feels like the Home Office is just ignoring us,” Ghani added, expressing concerns about the impact on future Armed Forces recruitment.
Vital asset for cadets and the nation
The Crowborough Training Camp, known for its parade grounds and training facilities for rifles and automatic weapons, is a prized asset used by various cadet troops from across the country.
Local councillor Andrew Wilson, a former cadet himself, criticized the closure, stating that it contradicts Labour’s “30 by 30” campaign to increase cadet numbers by 30% by 2030.
“The cadet force builds character, personality and life skills. It is a vital asset for our young people and the nation,” he said. “Removing that training facility will have an impact on the entire country’s cadet force. It’s callous, irresponsible and cruel.”
No.8 Detachment of cadets held their final parade at the camp (Image: Getty)
Protests and concerns over town’s future
Hundreds of locals have protested the scheme, backed by Wealden District Council and town mayor Natalie Whittle, who expressed deep concern about the cadets’ fate.
Kim Bailey, of campaign group Crowborough Shield, revealed that defence minister Luke Pollard suggested the site may never return to cadet use after being adapted for migrants.
“They are displacing them potentially forever, which is ridiculous,” she said. “Do they really think the benefit of temporarily housing some asylum seekers outweighs the need of our Armed Forces?”
Alp Mehmet, of Migration Watch UK, criticized the government’s decision, stating: “Young people who dream of joining our Armed Forces are scarce enough nowadays without being discouraged like this. It’s a chaotic mess and the Government is totally incapable.”
MoD insists long-term fate of cadets undecided
The Ministry of Defence maintained that no final decisions have been made regarding the long-term fate of the cadets.
A spokesman said: “The Government takes the safety and wellbeing of all cadets extremely seriously. No final decisions have been made regarding cadet activity around the site and we are scoping options to ensure activity can continue with minimal disruption. We will update on future plans prior to Christmas.”
The MoD stated that they are working with the Home Office to assess the potential impact of housing asylum seekers on military bases and to develop necessary mitigating actions.
