Crowborough erupted in outrage as the first group of migrants was moved into a former military barracks under police escort, igniting a massive protest that drew over 3,000 local residents. Frustration boiled over as demonstrators accused Labour leader Keir Starmer of breaking promises regarding asylum hotel closures, calling for immediate action.

The atmosphere in Crowborough was electric on Saturday afternoon, with residents marching through the town center, waving signs and chanting slogans like “Close the hotels!” and “Stop the lies!” The protest, which lasted six hours, showcased a united community that felt betrayed by the government’s handling of the asylum crisis.

Among the crowd were veterans and families, some of whom had never protested before. One veteran, who trained at the barracks two decades ago, expressed his dismay, saying, “I served here. Now it’s a migrant hotel. We were lied to.” His sentiments echoed throughout the crowd, a palpable sense of anger and betrayal hanging in the air.

Local business owners joined the demonstration, closing their shops to stand in solidarity with their neighbors. One bakery owner, who had never participated in a protest, shared her frustration: “This is too much. Starmer promised hotel closures, but instead, we see army barracks being opened.” Her words resonated with many who felt the same way.

The protest was not just about migrants; it symbolized a broader discontent with broken promises. Starmer had assured the public that asylum hotels would be closed by 2029, yet 197 hotels remain operational, housing thousands of asylum seekers. The community is demanding answers, feeling as though they have been misled.

As the protest progressed, the crowd only grew larger, with more residents arriving to voice their dissent. Police observed from a distance, recognizing the sheer scale of the demonstration and opting not to intervene. The peaceful protest was a powerful display of community unity against perceived governmental negligence.

Legal challenges are also brewing, with community lawyers preparing to file injunctions to halt the barracks’ operations until the government can prove that hotel closures are genuinely underway. This legal action reflects the determination of Crowborough residents to hold their leaders accountable.

Protesters are not isolated; they are part of a growing national movement. Communities across Britain, from Newcastle to Wakefield, are organizing similar demonstrations, all demanding the same thing: closure of asylum hotels and an end to false promises. The solidarity among these towns is a testament to the rising tide of discontent.

As the sun set on Crowborough, the chants continued, echoing the community’s resolve. “We won’t stop until real closures happen,” one organizer declared. The movement is gaining momentum, with plans for even larger protests in the coming weeks, as residents refuse to back down.