An independent councillor has described facing intimidation and isolation after raising questions about Afghan migrant resettlement in a Berkshire hotel, characterising the response as a "frightening attack on free speech".

John Edwards told GB News that Bracknell Forest Council had launched a formal investigation into his conduct after he voiced concerns in April. "For that, I have been intimidated, isolated and now formally investigated by Bracknell Forest," he stated during the broadcast.

The Sandhurst Town Council member expressed frustration that authorities had refused to provide evidence supporting their investigation. "They haven't shared any evidence with me. When I say, 'what part of my post constitutes a breach of the code of conduct?' They refuse to share it with me," Edwards explained.

He claimed officials had withheld a briefing call between councillors and declined to share what they considered key evidence.

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Edwards faces a formal investigation by Bracknell Forest Council and has reportedly been referred to police following his April comments about 300 Afghan nationals housed in a Bracknell hotel.

A borough councillor stated they had contacted police about Edwards, accusing him of "stirring up hate" through "far-Right propaganda" regarding the hotel arrangement. The councillor alleged Edwards was "stirring racial hatred", which would constitute a serious criminal offence.

Bracknell Forest Council's monitoring officer, Sanjay Prashar, informed Edwards in writing that he had a "case to answer". A council spokesperson confirmed an ongoing investigation, stating it would be inappropriate to comment whilst proceedings continued.

However, Thames Valley Police confirmed they held no record of any report concerning Edwards, and the councillor stated he had received no contact from officers.

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Edwards outlined his specific concerns about the resettlement programme during his GB News appearance. "I raised concerns about impact on housing, health, education and vetting," he stated.

The councillor emphasised his approach had been policy-focused rather than personal. "I was always clear in my post this has nothing to do with people rioting. These people need to be treated with respect and dignity, this is policy focused," he said.

Edwards revealed disturbing information about the vetting process. "We learn now that people who once failed the vetting have now come in, some charged with sex crimes, some Taliban members and when we've got homeless veterans, Taliban members are put in hotels at our expense," he claimed.

The 300 Afghan nationals were reportedly brought to Britain after a list of applicants' names was leaked.

Edwards described receiving numerous distressing messages from residents on the housing waiting list after seeking their experiences. "I was inundated with heartbreaking messages," he told GB News.

He detailed severe living conditions faced by local families. "We've got single mothers in one bed, flats with four kids, one bedroom, they all share one bedroom," Edwards said.

The councillor described particularly dire circumstances involving mould infestations. "They have to keep the windows open to keep the humidity down because the mould is so bad. The mould goes over her bed linen, up her walls, over her kid's toys. She throws the toys out," he recounted.

Edwards had initially questioned why Afghan nationals were accommodated in a hotel whilst "many of our own veterans remain homeless", according to his April comments.