Tiny English village votes to leave UK over migrant centre row

An English village has voted symbolically to leave the United Kingdom in protest against government plans to house more than 1,000 migrants at a nearby former military site.

CNN reports that residents of Piddington, Oxfordshire, backed the secession in a referendum, with 285 voting in favour, 26 against and one ballot spoiled.

The village has 358 residents, while the government plans housing up to 1,250 male migrants at Bicester Garrison.

The referendum has no legal effect but reflects local opposition to the proposed migrant centre.

Parish council chairman Tim McNally said the plan could turn the village “upside down.”

Oxfordshire County Council said residents’ concerns would be considered, while the Home Office said it was working to close asylum hotels.