It was the most welcoming town in Britain. Why has Crowborough become so divided?

<p>In 2022, they opened their arms to Ukrainian refugees. But this year, the arrival of more than 300 asylum seekers has split the community. Can the rift be healed?</p><p>It’s Sunday morning and in the East Sussex town of Crowborough a few dozen anti-migrant activists are waving union jacks outside a travel agent. Their sound system is blasting out a song about “lefty lemons”.</p><p>A few yards away, a similar number of protesters are supporting the asylum seekers being housed at a nearby military camp. Their signs read “Humanity has no borders” and “Civilisation fails when hatred prevails”; they’re playing classics about love and peace by Bob Marley, the Beatles and Aretha Franklin.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/oct/01/crowborough-divided-immigration-asylum-seekers">Continue reading...</a>