Un sat englez votează simbolic „secesiunea” de Regatul Unit

Residents of Piddington, a village near Oxford, held a symbolic referendum favoring secession from the UK to protest against a proposed asylum seeker center. Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledged the villagers' concerns regarding the government's plan to relocate asylum seekers from hotels to former military bases, including one near Piddington. The referendum saw a high turnout, with 285 votes for secession and 26 against, reflecting local anxiety about safety and the impact of the center. Burnham stated that while he understands the strong emotions, difficult decisions are necessary to end hotel accommodations for asylum seekers. Local leaders expressed fears that the center could attract far-right groups and exacerbate tensions around immigration issues in the UK.