On the ground in the refugee and asylum capital of Britain

In this episode, journalist Helen Pidd explores the situation in Crawley, known as the asylum and refugee capital of the UK. Pidd attempts to engage local politicians regarding immigration figures, but encounters reluctance. Crawley, a town of around 120,000, hosts the highest proportion of asylum seekers in the country, primarily Afghans who fled due to threats from the Taliban. Many are living in hotels that previously accommodated tourists. The episode details Pidd's visit to Crawley, where conversations with locals reveal mixed sentiments about the influx of refugees and their effects on community resources.

Interviews with residents unveil fears of cultural change and strain on local services due to the growing number of asylum seekers, while a local pastor offers a contrasting perspective, advocating for empathy and understanding. The emotional stories of individuals like Jamal, an Afghan interpreter who faced persecution before arriving in the UK, highlight the struggles faced by refugees in adapting to their new lives amidst a backdrop of local dissent and political contention. As community responses become more polarized, the episode provides insight into the broader societal issues regarding immigration and identity in contemporary Britain.