Today in Focus On the ground in the refugee and asylum capital of Britain
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Nov 5, 2025 In this insightful discussion, Jamal, an Afghan former interpreter, shares harrowing tales of his escape from the Taliban and the challenges he faces while living in hotel accommodation in Crawley. Pastor Steve Alliston reveals the role of the local community center in supporting asylum seekers amid rising tensions. Councillor Ian Irvin addresses the pressure on housing resources and the impact of government policies. Together, they unravel the complexities of living in a town with a high asylum seeker presence and the community's response to these changes.
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Tense Hotel Visit And Being Followed
- Helen Pidd and producer Eleanor visited a Crawley hotel and were confronted by anxious residents and an interpreter urging the guest to go inside.
- The team felt followed by security and left after a tense encounter that revealed fear and control around access.
Teen Refugee's Hopeful Ambition
- Pidd spoke with an Afghan teenager heading to English class who arrived a month earlier with his mother and siblings.
- The boy described losing his father to persecution and wanting to build a business and a future in Britain.
Diversity Coexists With Resentment
- Crawley is diverse with nearly 30% of residents born outside England and multiple prior immigration waves.
- Despite that diversity, some long-term residents express explicit desires for a 'white British' identity, revealing deep social tensions.