Torture survivors may have been sent to Sussex asylum camp unlawfully, documentary reveals
An undercover documentary has revealed that torture survivors may have been unlawfully placed at a controversial asylum camp in Crowborough, East Sussex, where welfare checks are being inadequately carried out.
The documentary Inside The Asylum Camp, featuring an undercover reporter who worked as a welfare officer at Crowborough, claims poor screening and welfare checks are having serious consequences for some asylum seekers. Last May, the high court ruled that forcing torture survivors to share rooms was unlawful, yet the Crowborough accommodation consists of large dormitories.
The Home Office's decision to use former military sites like Crowborough and Wethersfield in Essex has faced local opposition, though police records show very low levels of minor crimes at these camps. The Crowborough site is operated by Clearsprings Ready Homes, which reportedly generates millions of pounds daily from asylum contracts, making its boss Graham King the first asylum accommodation billionaire.
Inadequate welfare checks
Although two comprehensive welfare checks should be conducted monthly, documentary footage shows staff admitting to cutting corners. One welfare officer is filmed saying, "you don't need to go in too deep." Staff also admitted falling behind on the required 1,000 monthly checks, with one remarking, "We're so fucked."
When asked if asylum seekers fall through the net due to brief welfare checks, a welfare officer confirmed: "Oh, absolutely." The undercover reporter identified four or five torture survivors who should not have been sent to the military camp.
Charity condemns conditions
Louise Calvey, executive director of Asylum Matters, condemned the findings, particularly regarding torture survivors. "The reports of torture survivors being accommodated on military barracks are appalling," she stated. "Brave survivors endure appalling experiences arriving to a country where they thought they'd be safe."
People being held in isolation for prolonged periods of time without access to sufficient water demonstrate just how far we have fallen as a country.
Calvey described the camps as "a choice to punish people for having the audacity to exercise their lawful right to seek asylum here" and called for an urgent government review of their use. The Home Office and Clearsprings have been approached for comment on the documentary's revelations.
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