Crowborough councillor makes Valentine's cards for migrants

Anne Cross, a Green Party councillor on East Sussex County Council, sparked controversy after announcing she and her grandchildren painted Valentine's cards to welcome asylum seekers at a camp in Crowborough

Key Details of the Incident:

• The Action: Councillor Cross revealed during a council meeting that she and her grandchildren had made the cards to present to the men at the Crowborough training camp as a "welcome".
• The Location: The cards were intended for the Crowborough training camp, a repurposed military site that began housing asylum seekers in late January 2026.
• The Councillor's Defense: Ms Cross defended the move as a "common activity" for refugee charities and local supporters, intended to counter a "climate of fear" and provide a warm welcome from the community. 

Reactions and Criticism:

• Political Opposition: MP Nus Ghani described the plan as "disturbing" and "highly irresponsible," citing safeguarding concerns regarding children making cards for single adult male strangers.
• Public Outcry: Local residents and various political commentators criticised the gesture as "dangerous" and "insanity," particularly given the sensitive nature of the newly opened camp.
• Wider Context: Critics, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, argued that involving children in such an activity was inappropriate and ignored local safety concerns.