Village votes to leave Britain

Piddington residents voted 285 to 26 for symbolic independence from the UK. The referendum has no legal force but sends a message to Westminster.

Protesting an asylum camp plan

The Home Office wants to house up to 1,256 asylum seekers at the former Bicester Garrison, more than three times Piddington's population of 350.

Massive voter turnout recorded

Some 312 votes were counted, making up 92 per cent of ballot papers issued. Only one ballot was spoiled in the symbolic referendum.

Government avoided engagement, residents say

Parish council chairman Tim McNally said the Government played every trick to avoid engagement with villagers' concerns about the proposed camp.

“They actually have played every possible trick in the book to avoid engagement”

Second vote on independence

The referendum follows an earlier July vote where 96 per cent backed holding an independence referendum. The date was chosen to echo American independence.

Women fear for their safety

Last week, 133 women from Piddington wrote to female MPs warning that life as they know it will be destroyed if the plans succeed.

“We will not feel safe walking our streets. We are already living in fear”

Self-defence classes filling up

More than 20 women have signed up for self-defence classes after residents said police advised them to take precautions.

Village would be on lockdown

Louise Brooker, 51, said the village would effectively be on lockdown. She won't feel safe walking along the road, especially when it's dark at 4pm in winter.

Safety concerns, not wealth

Melise Witkin, 59, said this is about safety, not rich or poor. With 46 children in the village and 1,250 men arriving, it's a recipe for disaster.

“This is about safety, nothing more”

No safe pedestrian access

The proposed site has no pedestrian paths. The Government suggested asylum seekers could wear high-visibility jackets while walking along a busy, unlit road.

Government's own plan warns walkers

The Government's travel plan describes pedestrian access as limited and says travelling on foot is not recommended. Cycling and public transport may be provided.

Site designed to be self-contained

The Government stressed the former military site would be largely self-contained to minimize impact on the surrounding community.

Home Office defends the plan

A Home Office spokesman said the Government is working to fairly house asylum seekers across the country as it closes asylum hotels.

Planning decision still pending

The Government's planning application remains under consideration. No final decision has been taken on the site's future use, with approvals still needed.

Reform UK backs the village

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he would support other communities holding similar votes. Reform MP Rupert Lowe said the referendum should be lauded.

“I think if we're going to stop this, the people have to rise up and say they've had enough”

Former Home Secretary visits

Suella Braverman visited before the vote, saying the plans will dramatically transform the village's character and only harm will come from it.

Shadow ministers raise crime concerns

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said mothers and grandmothers are terrified because young male illegal immigrants are disproportionately likely to commit sex offences.

Village remains part of UK

Despite the symbolic declaration of independence, Piddington remains legally part of the United Kingdom. But residents demonstrated their strength of feeling.