Crowborough Asylum Seeker Protest Leads to No Confidence Vote for PCC Katy Bourne
Crowborough Asylum Seeker Protest Leads to No Confidence Vote for PCC Katy Bourne
A recent protest in Crowborough against housing asylum seekers has culminated in a no confidence vote against Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne. The motion, which passed with a vote of 10-4, has sparked significant controversy and debate within the local community.
The Sussex Police and Crime Panel, which is responsible for overseeing the PCC, expressed its discontent with Bourne’s actions, stating that her failure to remain impartial brought her office into disrepute. This censure followed Bourne’s attendance at a protest on November 8, where community members voiced their opposition to the Home Office’s decision to house 540 men at the Crowborough Training Camp.
The panel’s motion received cross-party backing, with representatives from Green, Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Conservative parties uniting in their criticism of Bourne. “We therefore censure her for her actions,” the panel stated, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
In response to the vote, Bourne has instructed solicitors to pursue a judicial review against the Sussex Police and Crime Panel, claiming that the censure was unlawful. A spokeswoman for Bourne’s office stated, “The PCP has been invited to withdraw the censure motion and to issue a public apology to the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner for censuring her unlawfully.” Bourne has also accused panel members of harassment and intimidation following the vote.
The Crowborough Training Camp has been a focal point of community protests since the Home Office announced plans to accommodate over 500 men awaiting decisions on their asylum applications. The decision has drawn criticism from local residents, leading to the formation of the Crowborough Shield campaign group, which opposes the use of the camp for asylum seekers.
Bourne, who has served as the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner since 2012, defended her actions by asserting that her engagement on social media was in a personal capacity and that some comments were misinterpreted. “I feel harassed simply for carrying out my duties as commissioner,” she remarked, emphasizing the challenges she faces in her role.
While the panel’s motion is non-binding, allowing Bourne the right to respond, the implications of the vote could have lasting effects on her position and the community’s perception of the police force. Observers are closely watching how this situation unfolds, particularly regarding the judicial review Bourne has initiated.
Details remain unconfirmed about the next steps in this ongoing situation, but the tensions surrounding the housing of asylum seekers in Crowborough are likely to persist as community members continue to voice their concerns.