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The Express Gazette
Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Oxfordshire Village Votes to Leave UK Over Asylum Housing Plan

In a symbolic referendum, residents of Piddington overwhelmingly chose independence to protest plans to house asylum seekers at a former military base.

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Oxfordshire Village Votes to Leave UK Over Asylum Housing Plan

Residents of Piddington, a village in Oxfordshire, have voted to leave the United Kingdom in a symbolic referendum protesting plans to house asylum seekers at a nearby former military base. The vote was held Tuesday as a response to Home Office proposals to accommodate up to 1,256 male asylum seekers at MoD Bicester.

The referendum was organized by the local parish council. Out of 312 votes cast, 285 were in favor of leaving, with 26 against and one ballot paper spoiled. Approximately 350 residents were invited to participate in the vote, which took place outside the village hall.

Susannah Parden, vice chair of the parish council, announced the result, stating, "We are Piddington the village that roars."


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