Conservative and Reform UK politicians have renewed calls for Britain to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) amid local opposition to the government’s plans to house asylum seekers in a village near Oxfordshire. The issue drew attention on the eve of an unofficial referendum organized by residents of Piddington, who are protesting the planned relocation of over 1,200 male asylum seekers to a nearby military barracks.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp and Reform UK equalities spokesperson Suella Braverman visited Piddington ahead of the vote, which was held on Thursday. The residents’ ballot aims to oppose the government’s decision, which they say threatens their community’s safety and character. The village, comprising approximately 350 residents, faces a significant demographic shift if the plans proceed — locals estimate they would be outnumbered four to one overall, and women would be outnumbered ten to one.

A group of 133 local women previously wrote an open letter to all female Members of Parliament raising concerns that their safety, security, and freedom would be compromised by the influx. However, reports indicate a limited response, with only four MPs replying to their appeal.

Speaking in Piddington, Braverman described the scale of the proposed accommodation as “stark,” warning that the plans would fundamentally change the village. She praised the local women for their activism, emphasizing her support for their efforts to make their voices heard.

Philp, joined by Conservative spokeswoman for women and equalities Joy Morrissey—who attended on behalf of party leader Kemi Badenoch—echoed these concerns. He stressed that local mothers and grandmothers fear for the wellbeing of their families, citing statistics that indicate young male illegal immigrants are disproportionately involved in sexual offenses. Philp argued that Britain should leave the ECHR to gain greater control over immigration, suggesting that such a move would allow for the immediate deportation of illegal entrants rather than dispersing them among communities like Piddington.

The Labour government’s strategy involves relocating asylum seekers from hotels to military barracks nationwide, aiming to reduce costs and streamline accommodation. However, residents in affected areas have raised objections, citing safety and social disruption concerns.

The symbolic referendum’s results were expected early Friday morning, with organizers anticipating a vote in favor of “independence” from the United Kingdom to signal their discontent. Community leaders hope the poll will draw attention in Westminster to their opposition and the broader challenges posed by current asylum accommodation policies.