Villagers in Piddington, Oxfordshire, are participating in a symbolic referendum to express their opposition to plans that would house more than 1,200 asylum seekers in a nearby Ministry of Defence base. The village, with a population of 350 residents, organized the vote after what they describe as ignored pleas to prevent the relocation of single male migrants to the Bicester military camp.
The potential influx of asylum seekers could significantly outnumber local residents, a prospect that has caused concern among the community. If the camp reaches full capacity, asylum seekers would outnumber the village's inhabitants by nearly four to one. Campaigners anticipate a vote in favor of 'independence,' hoping the symbolic ballot will draw the attention of policymakers in Westminster to their concerns.
This move by the villagers comes as the Labour government seeks to end the use of hotels for housing migrants, opting instead for military barracks across the country to reduce costs. The result of Piddington's referendum is expected by Wednesday morning.
Parish council members have reported being contacted by numerous other British villages seeking advice on similar campaigns, raising the possibility that such referendums could become a wider trend. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has publicly stated his support for any areas wishing to conduct similar votes.
Residents have voiced anxieties about safety and security, with some women reporting signing up for self-defense classes. An open letter penned by the 'Ladies of Piddington' to female Members of Parliament highlighted fears for their safety, security, and freedoms. The letter indicated that out of 226 Parliamentarians approached, only four responded.
One resident, Louise Brooker, expressed fears that the village would be 'on lockdown' due to safety concerns, particularly during winter evenings when streetlights are limited. Melise Witkin highlighted safety as the primary concern, stating that the arrival of 1,250 men in a village with 46 children could be a 'recipe for disaster.'
Concerns have also been raised about the lack of official data regarding the criminality of migrants, leaving local communities feeling uninformed. Piddington's parish council stated they received only a 10-day window to respond to a 1,000-word planning document for the asylum camp.
The Bicester site is one of three former military bases identified for such housing, with similar facilities already operating in Crowborough, East Sussex, and Wethersfield, Essex, which have also faced local opposition. Asylum seekers housed in these facilities are reportedly permitted to leave the camps and travel within surrounding areas.
During a visit to Piddington, Suella Braverman, Reform UK candidate and former Home Secretary, described the situation as 'stark' and stated that the plans were 'wrong' for the village, predicting only 'harm and damage.' Chris Philp, a Conservative MP, and Joy Morrissey, Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, also met with residents, with Morrissey suggesting that the current government's policies increase the risk of sex offenses by illegal immigrants.