The Conservative and Reform parties in the UK are advocating for the nation's withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as a means to control illegal migration. This stance was highlighted during a visit to Piddington, Oxfordshire, where residents are protesting plans to house a significant number of male asylum seekers in a local military barracks.
Chris Philp, Conservative Shadow Home Secretary, and Suella Braverman, Reform UK's equalities spokesman, visited Piddington to support local opposition to the housing plans. The village, with a population of 350, is set to accommodate over 1,200 male asylum seekers, raising concerns among residents about safety and community character. Locals have organized a symbolic 'referendum' on leaving the UK, prompted by what they perceive as a lack of response from the Labour government to their concerns.
Residents, particularly women in the village, have expressed significant apprehension. An open letter from "Ladies of Piddington" to female Members of Parliament articulated fears that their safety, security, and freedoms would be threatened. According to the Daily Mail, only four out of 226 approached Parliamentarians had responded to the letter.
Braverman stated that the situation in Piddington starkly illustrates the issues, emphasizing that the plans would dramatically alter the village's character and could lead to harm. She voiced her support for the residents' efforts to make their voices heard.
Philp echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the fear among mothers and grandmothers in Piddington stems from a perceived disproportionate likelihood of young male immigrants committing sex offenses. He argued that leaving the ECHR would enable the deportation of illegal immigrants upon arrival, preventing them from being housed in communities like Piddington. He also called for the removal of the current Labour government.
The Labour Party's strategy involves moving asylum seekers from hotels into military barracks nationwide to reduce accommodation costs. The results of Piddington's unofficial vote are anticipated by Tuesday morning. The symbolic vote aims to draw attention to the issue in Westminster.