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Barnham Considers Symbolic Independence Vote

Tuesday, 22 September 2026 19:36

Barnham Parish Council is considering a symbolic independence vote as opposition continues to proposed asylum accommodation at former RAF Barnham.

A Suffolk village is considering holding a symbolic vote to leave the United Kingdom amid continuing opposition to proposals for asylum accommodation at RAF Barnham.

Barnham Parish Council says a small delegation is visiting Piddington in Oxfordshire to find out more about a similar referendum held there earlier this month.

Piddington residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of symbolically declaring independence from the UK in protest at proposals to accommodate asylum seekers at a nearby former military site.

The referendum had no legal effect but attracted widespread attention.

Barnham Parish Council chairman John Bauer says the visit is a fact-finding exercise to understand how the Piddington campaign worked and whether a similar approach would be appropriate locally.

The Home Office is considering using the former RAF Barnham site to accommodate single adult male asylum seekers.

Local authority briefings have previously indicated the site could eventually have capacity for around 1,250 people, although any use remains subject to assessments, planning procedures and necessary approvals.

The Home Office says former military sites are being considered as part of efforts to reduce reliance on hotels for asylum accommodation.

Councils and some residents in the Barnham area have raised concerns about infrastructure, services and the suitability of the location.

No decision has yet been made on whether Barnham will hold its own symbolic referendum.

 

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