More protests are taking place across the UK in response to plans to house asylum seekers in communities around the country.
Ed Balls and Susanna Reid announced that a “symbolic independence referendum” is being held as part of a protest against plans to house asylum seekers in Oxfordshire (Image: ITV)
Around 1,250 male asylum seekers are expected to be housed in the area, a move that has sparked anger and concern among local residents. “Imagine a scenario where you potentially might need your passport to enter and exit the picturesque village that is Piddington,” Good Morning Britain correspondent Jonathan Swain said. “That is what the residents here are voting on, potentially to leave the UK.”
Jonathan explained that residents are feeling “angry” and “fearful” about the plans, before speaking to several locals about their concerns.
One woman, who has teenage children, said her main concern is for residents across the village, particularly those who work from home and are alone for much of the day.
“I have to look at whether or not I need to revamp my business to take account of the migrant centre, which is just under a mile from my property,” she explained.
Another resident, Victoria, who has three young children, said she is worried they could lose their childhood independence.
“You only get one chance at childhood. If this temporary ten-year migrant camp exists, my children won’t have the independence they currently have now,” she said.
“If only we had a forward looking government that wanted the best for the UK. One that didn’t enact division. One that actually dealt with problems rather than weaponising them. Remember, Jenrick, Lee & Braverman etc were part of those governments, their inaction caused this,” one wrote.
Another said: “Placing 1,256 single adult men in a non-detained facility beside a rural village of around 350 people is a fundamental transformation of that community. Nobody is claiming that every man presents a danger. The issue is scale, suitability, security and consent. Compassion for those seeking protection cannot require abandoning compassion for the residents whose lives will be directly affected.”
A third posted: “Symbolic independence, you mean wanting to stop criminals, murderers and rapists from walking within their communities. The left wing media are finished and you know it. You’ve been moaning to government for years saying no one takes us seriously anymore.”