The Ministry of Defence (MoD) informed the cadets to “cease all activity” at the site (Image: Getty)
In a contentious decision, cadets have been forced to abandon their historic training facility in rural Crowborough, East Sussex, to make room for 600 male asylum seekers who arrived via small boats, according to Daily Mail reports.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) directed the cadets to “cease all activity” at the location, which had previously served British and Canadian forces during both World Wars , expressing concerns about their safety and welfare.
Wednesday evening marked the final parade for the town’s No. 8 Detachment of cadets at the facility. Local Crowborough residents are questioning why the open-access accommodation, which permits migrants to move freely, is deemed too dangerous for cadets yet acceptable for the broader community.
No.8 Detachment of cadets held their final parade at the camp (Image: Getty)
Jeannette Towey, who leads the Pink Ladies anti-migrant organization, voiced her frustration: “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,” reports the Express.
“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 questioned, highlighting worries about potential dangers to local youngsters.
MP challenges government over costs and safety Sussex Weald MP Nusrat Ghani, a former president of Crowborough’s cadets, uncovered that the program will carry the same price tag as accommodating the migrants in hotels. She challenged the administration’s choice, declaring: “This is a unique and precious training camp in constant use that is being handed to asylum seekers at the cost of our cadets.
Cadets are asked to make way for new arrivals. (Image: Getty)
“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 continued, voicing worries about the consequences for future Armed Forces recruitment.
Critical resource for cadets and the country
The Crowborough Training Camp, renowned for its parade grounds and training facilities for rifles and automatic weapons, stands as a treasured resource utilized by numerous cadet units from throughout the nation.
Local councillor Andrew Wilson, himself a former cadet, slammed the shutdown, arguing that it goes against Labour’s “30 by 30” initiative to boost cadet enrollment 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 declared. “Removing that training facility will have an impact on the entire country’s cadet force. It’s callous, irresponsible and cruel.”
Demonstrations and worries over town’s destiny
Hundreds of residents have rallied against the program, supported by Wealden District Council and town mayor Natalie Whittle, who voiced serious alarm about the cadets’ future. Kim Bailey, representing campaign group Crowborough Shield, disclosed that defense minister Luke Pollard indicated the facility might permanently lose its cadet function following its conversion for migrant accommodation.
“They are displacing them potentially forever, which is ridiculous,” she declared. “Do they really think the benefit of temporarily housing some asylum seekers outweighs the need of our Armed Forces?”
Alp Mehmet, from Migration Watch UK, condemned the administration’s choice, declaring: “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 Defense emphasized that no conclusive determinations have been reached concerning the cadets’ long-term future.
A spokesperson commented: “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 announced they are collaborating with the Home Office to evaluate the potential consequences of accommodating asylum seekers on military installations and to formulate appropriate countermeasures.