PM: No U-turn on massive asylum dispersal

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

The UK government has reaffirmed its policy to distribute asylum seekers more evenly across regions, despite local opposition such as the symbolic independence referendum in Piddington, Oxfordshire, where plans to house 1,250 asylum seekers near 350 residents sparked protest. Officials argue this approach promotes fairness by sharing the responsibility beyond poorer areas, aiming to alleviate strain on specific communities and improve the overall management of asylum accommodations.

The United Kingdom government has reaffirmed its stance on distributing asylum seekers more evenly across the country, despite local opposition exemplified by a recent referendum in the Oxfordshire village of Piddington. The village held a symbolic vote on whether to seek independence from the UK in response to proposed plans to accommodate 1,250 male asylum seekers adjacent to a community of roughly 350 residents.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasized that the government will not reverse its policy of dispersing asylum seekers into wealthier or middle-class areas. He described the approach as a matter of fairness, stating that the responsibility for accommodating asylum seekers should not fall solely on particular regions or demographic groups. “This involves difficult decisions. It’s about fairness across the country,” Burnham said, underscoring the intent to share the burden nationwide.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy supported Burnham’s remarks, acknowledging that historically asylum seekers have been housed predominantly in lower-income areas due to more affordable housing costs. However, she argued the existing system placed an unfair strain on poorer communities. Nandy noted the government’s efforts to address the backlog of asylum claims and to expedite processing, but highlighted the need for broader participation from all communities in providing temporary accommodation.

Nandy also referenced sentiments in her own constituency, Wigan, where local frustration over migrant housing might have led residents to support a similar exit vote had one been held. She pointed out that the government must meet its legal and humanitarian obligations to house asylum seekers effectively. “We have got to make sure that we have somewhere to house asylum seekers. We’ve got to live up to our obligations,” she said.

The Piddington referendum, while non-binding, symbolizes the tensions arising in some areas as national authorities seek to balance asylum accommodation responsibilities. The proposed centre’s scale compared to the village’s resident population has fueled concerns, prompting local resistance. Government officials maintain that distributing asylum seekers beyond traditionally affected areas is necessary to reduce pressure on specific communities and to manage the overall migration system more equitably.

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