Patriot Platform is reportedly preparing to turn its attention to Piddington following protests in Dover and Portsmouth, bringing the national anti-immigration movement into a battle over plans to accommodate up to 1,256 asylum seekers beside a village of roughly 350 people.
The Times reports that Daniel Thomas and Patriot Platform supporters are now turning their attention to the Oxfordshire village.
Piddington residents are already fighting government plans for the former MoD Bicester Site A.
Official government documents allow for accommodation for up to 1,256 asylum seekers.
Piddington has roughly 350 residents.
The proposed asylum site could therefore house more than three times the population of the neighbouring village.
LOCAL OPPOSITION WAS ALREADY GROWING
Opposition to the development predates Patriot Platform’s involvement.
Cherwell District Council has raised concerns about infrastructure, local services and safeguards surrounding the proposal.
The council also says it was originally informed of the plans without prior consultation.
Residents have organised their own campaign, including a symbolic referendum on the proposed development.
The dispute was already becoming a significant local political issue.
Now it is attracting national attention.
FROM LOCAL CAMPAIGN TO NATIONAL FLASHPOINT
Patriot Platform arrives after high-profile demonstrations in Dover and Portsmouth.
Piddington now gives the movement another target, and one with a striking numerical argument.
1,256 asylum places.
A neighbouring village of roughly 350 people.
Local opposition was already established before Patriot Platform became involved.
The arrival of a national activist movement now gives that campaign a much larger platform.
The question facing the government remains remarkably simple:
Why should a village of 350 accept an asylum site capable of housing more than three times its own population?
Sources
The Times: Masked Dover agitators target Oxfordshire village next
UK Government: MoD Bicester Site A application
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