A second village is set to hold a Piddington-style independence vote over Labour’s plan to move in “fighting-age” migrants to the local area.
The referendum, which is not legally binding, will serve as a symbolic statement to oppose the accommodation of 1,250 male asylum seekers.
Protests have already erupted outside RAF Barnham following the plans being announced in June.
The leafy village has a hall, church and primary school but no other amenities such as a shop or pub.
A second village is set to hold a Piddington-style independence vote over Labour’s plan to move in migrants to the local area
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Parish council chairman John Bauer, 66, accused the Labour Government of not caring about small local communities which are likely to feel the burden of the rapidly increasing population.
He told the Daily Mail: “They don’t care about the people of Barnham. They don’t care that it will increase by two and a half times the population of a village, with single men mostly of fighting age not contained within the site.”
“Barnham is a small village with about 580 people. There’s a number of children of varying ages. People are worried about that and the womenfolk as well.
“Piddington have been incredibly successful in raising their profile. They’ve gained national attention and that of ministers and the Prime Minister. It’s gained international attention.”
Last week’s Piddington vote saw a staggering 96 per cent back independence
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He added: “I can’t say honestly I’ve spoken with anyone – and I’ve spoken to a lot of people – who’s said ‘I’m happy for them to come here’.
“To send a message to the government, I wouldn’t be surprised if 90 per cent voted [to secede from the UK].”
Following the Piddington result, Barnham residents flocked to the village hall to discuss their resistance movement.
They have largely focused on “evidential” issues involving planning issues linked to environmental concerns.
Barnham residents flocked to the village hall to discuss their resistance movement
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Piddington used a similar approach, accusing the Home Office of disturbing rare nesting bats.
However, Barnham residents have turned to the symbolic vote as locals fear the first male migrants will be members of the village within months.
The Home Office is said to be keen to move the first asylum seekers into the site before Christmas.
The Government is expected to decide whether it will pursue the base option this autumn.
GB News has approached the Home Office for comment.
