The Guardian ·
English village votes to leave UK in protest over migrant housing plan
Villagers in Piddington, Oxfordshire, hold symbolic referendum over plans to house more than 1,000 asylum seekers nearby
Residents of an English village have voted to leave the UK in a symbolic referendum against plans to house more than 1,000 asylum seekers nearby.
The result of the poll in Piddington, Oxfordshire, was announced on Wednesday morning after 312 people voted on Tuesday. A total of 285 people were in favour of independence from the UK while 26 voted against. One ballot was spoiled.
The poll was organised by campaigners for residents to demonstrate opposition to government plans to house up to 1,256 male asylum seekers at a converted Ministry of Defence site in the town of Bicester.
