Good Morning Britain viewers reacted with shock on Friday (November 13) after the programme revealed that Angela Rayner has approved plans to house over 1,200 asylum seekers at a former military site near Piddington, Oxfordshire.
The announcement has sparked outrage among villagers, with the majority of residents voting in a symbolic referendum to secede from the UK in protest.
Local Opposition and Concerns
Local parish council boss Tim McNally criticised Prime Minister Andy Burnham directly, saying: "I’m sorry, Andy Burnham, you’re responsible for this. If any sexual violence happens, it will be on your head."
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Nick Dixon reported: "They feel that this has been fast-tracked from the top and forced upon them. As much as they expected the news last night, they are very unhappy about it. This MOD site is about half a mile or so from the village of Piddington."
He explained that the site was previously used for distribution and storage, but will now house around 1,200 asylum seekers "despite overwhelming opposition."
Political Reactions
Nick continued: "This is not just from people in the village but also local council and police in this area. They have a number of concerns regarding safety and security around that MOD site, but also pressures on local services, road safety, all sorts of issues."
Reform UK's Home Affairs Spokesperson Zia Yusuf said: "The unvetted, illegal migrant men will outnumber the women of Piddington by eight to one. Reform will detain and deport all of these men."
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp also opposed the plans, saying: "Angela Rayner and the Labour government have betrayed the people of Piddington. Instead of accommodating illegal immigrants, the government should leave the ECHR so illegal immigrants can be rapidly deported."
The story is developing, with the Express.co.uk team updating as more information becomes available.
