The Kingdom Falling Apart? The English Village That Decided to Secede from Britain

Residents of the village of Fidington in Oxfordshire held a symbolic referendum in favor of seceding from Britain, protesting government plans to house over 1,000 asylum seekers at a nearby military base. Out of 312 votes, 285 were in favor of independence.

Residents of the village of Fidington in Oxfordshire, home to about 350 people, voted today (Wednesday) in a symbolic referendum in favor of seceding from Britain. The move was intended as a sharp protest against British Home Office plans to house over 1,000 asylum seekers at a nearby military base. The referendum, organized by the local council, included 312 votes: 285 in favor of independence, 26 against, and one invalid ballot. Deputy council chair Susanna Farden announced the results, saying, "We are Fidington, the village that roars." Council chair Tim McNeely added, "This is an example of democracy in action, a message to the world." British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy responded, saying, "We have heard the message and we are listening." Tim Bider, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, sharply criticized the plan. Local MP Callum Miller argued that the plans "were shrouded in secrecy." The Ministry of Defense base in Bicester was targeted for similar plans in 2005, but those were abandoned. A public consultation is now underway until September 17.