Children from the Oxfordshire village of Piddington have sent letters to the Prime Minister expressing their concerns over government plans to house 1,250 male asylum seekers at a nearby former Ministry of Defence site. The village, which has around 250 adult residents and 46 children, is situated adjacent to the proposed location, where the migrants would be accommodated as part of a broader strategy to reduce costs associated with housing asylum seekers in hotels.
Local families and children have voiced fears about the impact the site could have on their daily lives, safety, and community heritage. Among the letter writers is seven-year-old Rex Perkin, who worries the migrant facility may prevent him from visiting the grave of his late sister, Nancy, buried in the village churchyard. His mother, interior architect Gina Perkin, who has deep family roots in Piddington, described his letter as “pure and innocent” and centered on a deeply personal concern.
Other children, such as Orla West, six-year-old Constance Walker, and nine-year-olds Athena Walker and Tilly West, also expressed their apprehension that the arrival of the asylum seekers could restrict their freedom, limit access to local amenities like the village park, and challenge the sense of safety they currently enjoy. Tilly West, in particular, wrote about losing the ability to use the park where she plays and worries about reduced freedom as she grows older. Her younger sister Edith highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and love within the village.
Residents have further raised safety and security concerns, noting that the proposed housing site would be enclosed by a thin fence bordering the rear of several homes as well as the local parish council playing field and park, frequently used by children and families. Voices from the community, including finance sector worker Matt Walker, have pointed to the potential threat to their way of life and the safety of their children.
The village has previously conducted a symbolic vote expressing a desire to separate from the United Kingdom over what they describe as imposed government decisions made without adequate local consultation. Some locals have noted similar security issues arising around other facilities housing asylum seekers elsewhere in the country.
The government’s plan to convert former military bases, including others in Suffolk and North Yorkshire intended to accommodate a total of roughly 3,750 asylum seekers, is aimed at alleviating pressure on hotel accommodations, which have seen a 35% decrease in use over the past year. The national backlog of asylum applications currently stands at approximately 98,000, with ongoing arrivals across the English Channel and Spanish enclaves.
Government officials have stated they will review the concerns raised by the villagers, emphasizing ongoing efforts to provide basic accommodation solutions while reducing overall state expenditure related to asylum seeker support. At the time the letters were sent, the Prime Minister was reported to be on holiday, with some villagers urging him to consider their pleas once back in office.