# Piddington's independence vote splits village over asylum plans > A symbolic secession vote masks growing tensions as far-right activists arrive and residents face online abuse for opposing the movement. - Title: Piddington's independence vote splits village over asylum… - Summary: A symbolic secession vote masks growing tensions as far-right activists arrive and residents face online abuse for opposing the movement. Piddington's… - Keywords: piddington, oxfordshire, asylum seekers, independence vote, patriot platform, danny thomas, rachel marsh, tim mcnally, far-right activism, government housing plans, local opposition, news - Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/sep/19/unease-in-newly-independent-piddington-as-world-media-and-danny-tommo-descend - Published: 2026-09-19T11:00:44+00:00 - Read time: 3 min - Topics: piddington, oxfordshire, asylum seekers, independence vote, patriot platform, danny thomas, rachel marsh, tim mcnally, far-right activism, government housing plans, local opposition, news ## Village votes to leave UK over asylum plans Piddington residents voted two hundred eighty-five to twenty-six to become an independent state, protesting government plans to house one thousand two hundred fifty asylum seekers nearby. ## New principality picks newt as national animal Parish councillors announced the newt as Piddington's national animal, hoping its endangered status might help block the asylum housing centre on neighbouring land. ## Far-right activist Danny Tommo arrives Daniel Thomas, leader of the masked anti-migrant group Patriot Platform, visited Piddington offering to rally supporters to protect women and children if the site opens. ## Rachel Marsh receives death threats online Chef Rachel Marsh, a twenty-year resident, faced violent threats and racist abuse after expressing concerns on Newsnight that fear was being used to activate people locally. ## Marsh's family targeted for their heritage Messages suggested Marsh and her husband should leave Britain. Her husband's parents were Windrush generation arrivals from Jamaica. She said the backlash was unprecedented. > We've had violent threats online from a lot of very toxic keyboard warriors. I've never encountered anything like this before. ## Government bypassed local planning process The government submitted a fast-tracked Urgent Crown Development application in June, allowing ministers to bypass local authority planning to meet commitments to close asylum hotels. ## Village splits over how to oppose plans Some locals back a Wrong Plan, Wrong Site campaign focused on legalities and environmental risks. Others highlight perceived risks to women. Rhetoric has become more hostile to asylum seekers. ## Parish leader courts international attention Tim McNally, who led the independence movement, has been filming video appeals on social media. Elon Musk tweeted the story to two hundred forty-one point six million followers. > Thank you, Elon, for helping our little village roar around the world. ## Councillor welcomes dialogue with far-right group Parish councillor Joe Marshall said a private meeting with Patriot Platform was being held to open dialogue. He stressed all politicians and activists were welcome to visit. ## Residents express mixed views on asylum seekers Robin Smith said asylum seekers are humans but the camp is unsuitable. Andrew Smith worried about masked activists like those in Dover, saying people need proper facilities elsewhere. > We don't want to see masked people like there were in Dover, that's not really the view of the local people; we are concerned to do the right thing. ## Liberal Democrats warn of far-right weaponisation Tim Bearder, Liberal Democrat leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said it was disgraceful how the far right were weaponising the dispute over the asylum housing plans. ## Site lacks basic infrastructure and safety The former military base has no electricity, water or footpath. Two fatalities have occurred on the nearby road. District council officials said it is unsuitable for residents or asylum seekers. ## MP says local opposition is legitimate Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester and Woodstock, said external groups' interference was unwelcome but local opposition through councils and legal challenge was valid. ## Marsh calls independence vote theatre Rachel Marsh, one of twenty-six who opposed the vote, said it was a publicity stunt. She objects to the site but rejects fear-based rhetoric as the foundation for opposition. > This is just a publicity stunt. It's complete theatre. ## Irony of aggression in protection campaign Marsh said the independence movement's stated aim to protect women and children rang hollow given the aggression directed at her for speaking against racism and fear-based activism. > Given that their aim is to protect women and children it is quite ironic that they are using aggression like this towards me for speaking up against racism. ## Key takeaway Piddington's symbolic independence vote against asylum housing plans has attracted far-right activists and divided residents, with some facing violent threats for questioning the movement's rhetoric.