More protests are taking place across the UK in response to plans to house asylum seekers in communities around the country.
Ed Balls and Susanna Reid announced that a “symbolic independence referendum” is being held as part of a protest against plans to house asylum seekers in Oxfordshire (Image: ITV)
One woman, who has teenage children, said her main concern is for residents across the village, particularly those who work from home and are alone for much of the day.
“I have to look at whether or not I need to revamp my business to take account of the migrant centre, which is just under a mile from my property,” she explained.
Another resident, Victoria, who has three young children, said she is worried they could lose their childhood independence.
“You only get one chance at childhood. If this temporary ten-year migrant camp exists, my children won’t have the independence they currently have now,” she said.
Another said: “Placing 1,256 single adult men in a non-detained facility beside a rural village of around 350 people is a fundamental transformation of that community. Nobody is claiming that every man presents a danger. The issue is scale, suitability, security and consent. Compassion for those seeking protection cannot require abandoning compassion for the residents whose lives will be directly affected.”
A third posted: “Symbolic independence, you mean wanting to stop criminals, murderers and rapists from walking within their communities. The left wing media are finished and you know it. You’ve been moaning to government for years saying no one takes us seriously anymore.”