first migrants moved into army camp in crowborough despite weeks of protests

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: ‘Illegal migration has been placing immense pressure on communities.

‘That is why we are removing the incentives that draw illegal migrants to Britain,closing asylum hotels that are blighting communities.

‘Crowborough is just the start. I will bring forward site after site until every asylum hotel is closed and returned to local communities.

‘I will not rest until order and control to our borders is restored.’

More than 400 asylum hotels were opened under the last government,costing £9million a day.

While many have been closed,just under 200 asylum hotels still remain in use.

The arrival of migrants in Crowborough was labelled ‘another day of shame’ by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp.

He claimed: ‘We have seen hundreds of crimes committed by illegal immigrants in asylum accommodation,including many rapes,sexual assaults and even murder.

The Home Office has revealed what the inside of the camp looks like (Picture: Home Office/PA Wire)

‘Now the women and children of Crowborough will be exposed to those risks too.’

Mr Philp complained that 6,000 army and RAF cadets had been kicked out of the barracks for the plan to go ahead.

Stand up to Racism Crowborough told Metro asylum seekers and refugees were ‘not to blame’.

They added: ‘Crowborough has a proud history of showing kindness and helping people in their hour of need.

‘Refugees fleeing conflicts in Ukraine and Afghanistan have been welcomed by the community with open arms and this occasion is no different.

‘We support local people who are working to make sure these new arrivals are shown hospitality and the best traditions of Crowborough,those of unity and solidarity triumph over the hateful and racist narratives of division.’