English village votes to leave UK over migrant plan 

Nearly 92% of Piddington voters backed a symbolic secession after the government proposed housing 1,256 male asylum seekers nearby An English village has overwhelmingly voted to “secede” from the UK in protest over government plans to house more than 1,200 male migrants at a nearby former military base. The referendum in Piddington, Oxfordshire has no legal force but drew nearly 92% turnout.The result announced on Wednesday showed that 285 residents backed leaving the UK, 26 voted against, and one ballot was spoiled. Organizers staged the symbolic referendum in protest against plans to house up to 1,256 male asylum seekers at the nearby MOD Bicester site.“We are Piddington, the village that roars,” parish council vice chair Susannah Parden declared as she announced the result. Council chair Tim McNally called the vote “an example of democracy in operation,” adding: “We went into this village hall as the underdogs – we had a plucky idea. We have given a message to the world.” The ballot asked residents whether Piddington should “secede from the United Kingdom and pursue self-determination,” while signs proclaiming the “Principality of Piddington” appeared around the village. More th...