The Government has admitted it “failed” the people of Crowborough in how it set up the army camp to house asylum seekers.
The asylum minister, Alex Norris, told the House of Commons said he “deeply regretted” how things had played out.
Crowborough News broke the story last autumn after a tip off that plans were being put in place to house up to 600 asylum seekers in the training camp instead of in hotels. The Home Office, criticised for not consulting Wealden District Council, local MP, Nusrat Ghani, or residents, did finally agree to attend what turned out to be an angry public meeting.
But despite apologising for the lack of information and engagement, there has been little since from the Government by way of updates or information.
At Westminster, Mr Norris finally broke this silence. He told MPs: “We failed on Crowborough and the failure is mine.”
The minister told the Home Affairs Committee: “I’ve had a long time to think about this and I regret deeply that parliamentary colleagues and council leaders found out through the news rather than from me and other senior officials about what was taking place.
“That shouldn’t have happened and it won’t happen in the case of future sites,” Norris said.
But, while accepting that the Home Office had not got things right in the initial stages of setting up the camp, he added that he didn’t agree with what critics have said about the process since.
“WDC, along with the local community, have quite rightly wanted to know more at every point, but, while I appreciate there’s a desire for an update daily, there isn’t always more to tell.” He added.
A spokesperson for WDC said: “We recognise the significant national challenge of accommodating asylum seekers and the pressures this places on government to find solutions.
“However, the lack of timely information, engagement and clear operational planning from the Home Office has made the situation more difficult for the council, local community and partner agencies to manage.
“This approach continues to contribute to uncertainty and increased tension locally, which could be mitigated with earlier and more open communication.”
Last month we reported the council had uncovered details in court papers that two government departments have agreed between themselves to allow the camp an option of remaining open until 2030, despite repeated promises from it would be open for no longer than 12 months. The Home Office told us no decision had been made.
The council said it would “continue to call for a more coordinated and transparent approach from the Home Office”.