Piddington votes to symbolically secede from UK over asylum plan

Residents of the small Oxfordshire village of Piddington voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to symbolically secede from the United Kingdom, in a protest against government plans to house 1,256 male asylum seekers at a nearby former military base. The non-binding referendum, dubbed the "Battle of Britain" by organizers, saw 285 villagers vote in favour of independence, with just 26 voting against on a 92 percent turnout. The vote was held in response to the Home Office's proposal to use the disused MoD Bicester site for asylum accommodation. Piddington, home to roughly 350 residents, has become the focal point of local opposition to the plan. Parish councillor Mike Nixon cited significant infrastructure concerns, stating the proposed site lacks pedestrian access, is prone to flooding, and has inadequate drainage and power supply. He noted the government's own travel plan describes pedestrian access as "limited" and "not recommended," with asylum seekers to be issued high-visibility jackets for safety on a nearby busy road. Herbert Owen, a 76-year-old resident, framed the referendum as a national issue. "This isn't just about Piddington, this is about our whole country," he said.