Locals in the Oxfordshire village of Piddington have staged a symbolic vote to leave the United Kingdom, protesting against government plans to accommodate asylum seekers in their area. The referendum was organized by the parish council in response to Home Office proposals to house up to 1,256 male migrants at the former Ministry of Defence site in nearby Bicester.
On Tuesday, 350 residents were invited to cast their ballots in a ballot box placed outside the village hall. The results showed a decisive majority in favor of independence: 285 votes were cast to leave, while 26 voted to remain, with one spoiled paper.
Susannah Parden, the vice chair of the parish council, announced the outcome by declaring, “We are Piddington the village that roars.” Council chair Tim McNally described the event as a demonstration of democracy in action, stating, “We went into this village hall as the underdogs – we had a plucky idea. We have given a message to the world.”
‘Piddington the village that roars’ indeed! It is quite bold to stage such a defiant symbolic vote against the government’s plans.
Did anyone actually explain how leaving the UK would stop the asylum seekers from arriving? Feels like performative politics to me.
I admire the local engagement, but seceding seems like an odd choice for a protest. Wouldn’t lobbying Parliament be more effective?
Absolutely ridiculous. One small village cannot veto national policy on housing refugees. This is a tantrum, not democracy.