Second British Village to Hold Referendum on Leave

Residents of the village of Barnam in Suffolk are considering the possibility of holding a symbolic referendum on independence from the UK, writes The Independent. The decision was a protest against the government's plans to house asylum seekers on the grounds of a former RAF military base.

Local authorities intend to follow the example of the village of Piddington, where residents in an informal vote supported the idea of secession from the country (90% of votes in favor).

Last week, Piddington - a village in Oxfordshire of about 400 people - held a symbolic independence referendum over plans by authorities to place a migrant centre nearby. Voting has no legal effect.

John Bauer, chairman of Barnham Parish Council, said the independence debate was a direct reaction to London's policy, as the local community strongly opposes the use of a military base for migrants. Protests in the region are mounting amid escalating tensions in nearby Thetford, where attempts to house migrants have led to riots and clashes with police.

The Home Office defends the strategy of using military and industrial facilities. The department emphasizes that the accommodation of asylum seekers in isolated bases costs the budget much cheaper than keeping them in hotels, and allows to provide “controlled conditions”.

Authorities also said they were listening closely to residents' concerns but would continue to work to distribute accommodation locations across the country to save public funds.

Since last year, the UK has significantly tightened its migration policy, extending the timeframe for obtaining a permanent residence permit, restricting work visas and changing rules for students and refugees.

In particular, according to the changes, applicants for most work visas will have to meet stricter requirements for language – speaking, listening, reading and writing. The authorities also decided to speed up the expulsion of illegal immigrants.