- Residents of Piddington in Oxfordshire have voted overwhelmingly in favour of symbolic independence from the UK in protest against plans to house asylum seekers at a nearby military site.
- Out of a nearly 92 per cent turnout, 285 villagers backed the motion while 26 voted against, following Home Office proposals to accommodate up to 1,256 male asylum seekers at MoD Bicester.
- Although the referendum has no legal standing, villagers are planning to install wireless CCTV cameras and security patrols to address safety concerns.
- Local MP Calum Miller and Piddington parish council chairman Tim McNally criticised the Home Office proposals, citing concerns over public consultation and security.
- Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy defended using the Bicester base, stating it is unfair for only poorer communities to house asylum seekers.
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