Piddington has driven a symbolic referendum to secede from the UK over asylum-site concerns in Oxfordshire
Residents of Piddington have voted in an unofficial referendum to secede from the UK after plans to house 1,256 male asylum seekers at MoD Bicester. Turnout was high; 285 supported independence, 26 opposed, with one spoiled ballot. The outcome adds pressure on government to reconsider asylum-site placements and to share the burden more evenly.
The Home Office has proposed housing 1,250 asylum seekers at a former military site near Piddington, triggering protests from residents and remarks from politicians about shared responsibility. Ministers say the scheme is contained and more affordable than hotels, while communities push back over location, process and safety concerns.