Crowborough migrant crisis: Keir Starmer skewered after thousands moved into ex‑army base

On 23 January 2026, a group of 30 migrants was escorted by buses into the former Royal Artillery base in Crowborough, Kent, during the night. The move, carried out at around 10pm, was part of the government’s plan to repurpose the closed military installation as a temporary migrant reception centre. Local residents and activists protested, saying the authorities had ignored public opposition and co‑located civilians with former soldiers. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was criticised by MPs and the press, with remarks such as “house troops, not criminals” echoing across social media. The incident has sparked a wider debate over the UK’s migrant management and the use of decommissioned defence sites.