Suffolk Village Considers Independence Referendum Over Asylum Seeker Plans

Barnham, a small village in Suffolk, is considering holding an independence referendum, modeled after a similar protest in Piddington, Oxfordshire, to voice opposition to government plans for housing asylum seekers at a nearby military base. The village is scheduled to hold a special parish meeting within two weeks to gauge residents' support for such a vote and explore other protest measures.

The urgency stems from the government's efforts to expedite the process of moving migrants from hotels. Details of the plan to house 1,250 asylum seekers at RAF Barnham emerged in June, with a decision expected in autumn and potential occupancy by Christmas. Parish council chairman John Bauer stated that the initiative is a response to a perceived failure in the democratic process regarding the asylum seeker accommodation plans. "When we heard about it, it was quite shocking because we were being asked about something that hadn’t yet been passed on to us by the Government," Bauer said. "We knew nothing, the district council knew nothing, the county council knew nothing and the MPs knew nothing."

A delegation from Barnham, including parish council chairman John Bauer and district councillor Andrew Smith, visited Piddington to learn from its experience. Piddington's recent vote on Home Office plans for MoD Bicester saw 90% of locals opt to secede from the UK.

Barnham, with approximately 580 residents, could see its population more than double if the asylum seeker accommodation is approved. Leaked information from a private meeting between Home Office officials and Norfolk councillors suggests that even more migrants could be housed at facilities near RAF Barnham than initially admitted. The village lacks amenities like a shop or pub, and residents are concerned about the implications for the community, particularly as migrants would be able to come and go from the base freely.

Protests have already taken place outside RAF Barnham since the plans were announced three months ago, alongside similar proposals for bases in Bicester and Linton-on-Ouse. The area has also seen unrest related to asylum seeker accommodation in nearby Thetford, Norfolk. Locals have raised concerns beyond the immediate plans, including the potential for land contamination at the former weapons storage site and its status as a nesting ground for endangered stone curlews, with development forbidden within 1,500 meters.

Some residents view the referendum as a publicity tool. "It's a good way of raising publicity," said Collette Skelly, a resident of 15 years. "At the moment, there is nothing on the news about Barnham. So Piddington had to do it as a publicity stunt to raise attention." Others expressed support, noting the increased national attention Piddington's vote has garnered.

However, not all residents are convinced of the referendum's utility. James Hollins commented, "The referendum is rubbish, it can't go anywhere, it's got no legal standing." He added, "We can demonstrate but they're not going to listen."

Adrian Whittle, leader of Reform UK at West Suffolk Council, stated his support for the village's right to hold a referendum, believing it raises awareness and shows that people are actively resisting. Conservative home affairs spokesman Chris Philp called the Piddington vote a potential "wake-up call" for the government.