gg2
Piddington independence referendum
The gist
Piddington villagers voted to leave the UK in a symbolic referendum over asylum housing plans.
The vote has no legal weight but signals local anger at the Home Office.
How it unfolded
- Jun 2026The Home Office first announced its plans for MoD Bicester.
- Jul 4, 2026Marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, 96 per cent of Piddington voters backed holding an unofficial independence referendum.
- Last month (as of Sep 15, 2026)Mike Nixon, vice-chairman of Piddington Parish Council, said the Home Office plans would threaten residents' human rights, security and way of life. Andy Burnham said wealthy areas of Britain "must play their part" in housing asylum seekers.