Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has granted planning permission to convert a Ministry of Defence site near the Oxfordshire village of Piddington into accommodation for more than 1,200 detained asylum seekers. The decision has provoked anger among villagers, who previously held a symbolic vote to declare independence from the UK in protest at the plans.
Political Reaction
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “This is a betrayal of the women of Piddington, but emblematic of Labour and Angela Rayner’s disregard for the law and women and girls’ safety.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “Andy Burnham is determined to flood towns and villages across the country with fighting-age male illegal migrants. Burnham and his Government are putting women and girls at risk.”
Villagers' Response
Parish council chairman Tim McNally said there would be “many actions” by villagers, and that ministers should “absolutely” be braced for a legal challenge. He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the village could also apply the new Hillsborough Law.
Once passed, the law would create a legally enforceable duty of candour that compels public officials and authorities to act transparently during investigations and inquiries.
Next Steps
Mr McNally told the programme: “Last night, Andy Burnham was on a podium talking about the violence, sexual violence towards women, and bringing it upon the media industry as their responsibility to manage. But the reality is, is that this is exactly what the Government is doing to us here.”
Asked how the village would respond, he said: “There’s going to be many actions, you will see. We will disclose that as we move forward. Today is a day of reflection, and we’ll work out where we plan to go from this point. But I will say, the Hillsborough Law is there for a reason, and we’re going to apply it.” Asked if ministers should be braced for a legal challenge, he said: “Absolutely, absolutely.” The Home Office is behind the plan and is delighted with Ms Rayner’s decision.
