Residents of an Oxfordshire village have overwhelmingly supported a symbolic break from the United Kingdom in protest against plans to accommodate more than 1,200 male asylum seekers at a nearby former military facility.
In Piddington, 285 residents voted in favour of “secession,” 26 opposed the proposal and one ballot was spoiled, with turnout reaching almost 92%. The unofficial referendum, which has no legal effect, was organised after the government proposed housing up to 1,256 asylum seekers at the former MOD Bicester site.
Signs declaring a “Principality of Piddington” appeared around the village, while more than 130 local women wrote to female MPs expressing concerns about safety and security. Parish leaders described the result as a demonstration of local democracy, but the government has indicated it will proceed with the accommodation plan as part of efforts to reduce reliance on migrant hotels.
The protest comes amid wider tensions over irregular Channel crossings and asylum housing, with government figures showing about 33,000 people arrived by small boat in the year to July.
The first piddington shot fired in a probable future revolution? Meanwhile your referendum will soon be useless, with future imported “Brits”, conveniently outnumbering your vote.