A Green Party councillor has sparked controversy after encouraging local children in East Sussex to create Valentine’s Day cards for adult male asylum seekers accommodated in a former military training camp. Critics have condemned the initiative as a safeguarding nightmare.
MP Slams ‘Highly Irresponsible’ Valentine’s Card Campaign
Conservative MP Nus Ghani strongly criticised the project, describing it as “highly irresponsible.” She cautioned that the organisers showed “no regard for safeguarding” by urging children to make cards for “single adult men.” Ghani also highlighted “widespread concern locally” regarding the appropriateness of the plan.
Green Councillor Defends Valentine’s Card Drive
Anne Cross, a Green councillor on East Sussex County Council, initiated the card-making campaign alongside her grandchildren. They created Valentine’s cards to welcome asylum seekers at the former Crowborough Training Camp. The site began housing men on 22 January as part of the government’s efforts to reduce costly migrant hotel stays.
“Getting to know people and hearing their stories dispels fear,” Cross said. “My grandchildren and I painted some Valentine’s Cards at the weekend, which we are going to be presenting to the men at Crowborough as a welcome.” She encouraged locals to “share the love” and support community engagement with the asylum seekers.
Local Residents Fear for Safety and Security
The Crowborough camp is set to accommodate up to 500 single men aged 18-65. The first 27 arrived in late January, prompting protests over security concerns and the suitability of the site.
Kim Bailey, chair of Crowborough Shield, criticised Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for advancing the plan “under the cover of darkness.” She condemned the conversion of a cadet training facility with “flimsy fences” and inadequate security into an asylum centre.
“It’s not secure at all. She’s taken away this facility from young people to put in a few hundred asylum seekers,” Bailey stated. “This facility’s population will rotate every 2-3 months, meaning even more asylum seekers will cycle through the town.”
Government Cites Costs and Security Measures
The Home Office has indicated that migrant hotel stays cost taxpayers over £9 million daily across the UK. Utilizing sites like Crowborough aims to reduce these expenses.
Officials maintain the camp is self-contained with on-site services designed to lessen the impact on local resources. However, the Home Office has not responded to concerns raised by MP Nus Ghani regarding the card campaign and safeguarding.
Meanwhile, Anne Cross remains steadfast, advocating for community unity despite the growing backlash.
Originally published by UKNIP.
