UK village plans independence vote to protest migrant housing

Residents of the tiny English village of Piddington are preparing to hold a symbolic referendum on declaring independence from the United Kingdom. The unusual protest stems from widespread opposition to the British government's plan to house asylum seekers in a disused military barracks near their community.

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Washington brought change. I am going to make the change and then give away the power like he did.

The referendum, though carrying no legal weight, is intended as a powerful statement against the government's decision. Plans for the Bicester Garrison site could see up to 1,250 asylum seekers housed there, a number that significantly outnumbers Piddington's own population. Local officials leading the protest have drawn parallels to historical struggles for self-determination, with one comparing the village's fight to George Washington's battle for American independence.

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If we vote to leave, we are going down to the U.S. Embassy and bring our declaration to them.

Supporters of the protest argue that the community was not adequately consulted before the housing plans were announced. They view the referendum as a way to highlight their frustration with the central government's decision-making processes. The vote on July 4 saw 96% of participants back the proposal for the referendum, signaling strong local opposition to the government's plans. The symbolic act aims to draw national attention to their objections.

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It would become a magnet for right-wing agitators and it will have a really polarizing effect on the population.