Hundreds have marched in Bicester to protest Labour’s plans to house 1,256 male asylum seekers near the historic Oxfordshire market town.
Demonstrators, carrying a banner reading “Bicester” and waving St George’s Cross and Union Flags, took to the streets demanding that the Home Office reverse the move.
The Government has decided to house the migrants at MoD Bicester, converting the disused military base into an asylum centre.
Speaking to GB News, locals on the march shared their fears for their community if the migrants are placed at the base, just a short distance from the town of Bicester and the tiny hamlet of Piddington.
“We are concerned about what will happen with the migrants coming in. They are illegal migrants,” one of the marchers, Bruce Skelton, said.
“One thing they don’t have is their documentation. So we don’t know what we’re getting, and we’ve got no idea what comes into this country, and our taxpayers are paying for all these people coming to this country.”
Rejecting claims of Nimbyism, Mr Skelton said: “They shouldn’t be here in the first place. Simple as that.”
One of the most notable demonstrators was Phil Hawkes, who wore a Batman outfit with a patriotic twist.
He told The People’s Channel the costume was inspired by a rare bat species discovered near Piddington, which may derail the asylum plans on conservation grounds.
“The first thing I thought of was, I’ve got a bat suit. I’ve got to put it on and show my support here.”
Discussing his thoughts on the plans, Mr Hawkes said: “It’s getting quite frightening. This is a little town, you know. Best little town I’ve known all my life.
“In a year, you won’t be able to do what we’ve always been allowed to do. We won’t be able to walk up here.
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“I’m not afraid of anyone coming here, but It’s the young girls. It’s the young mums. My daughters. It’s not looking good,” he despaired.
Another marcher was Simon Lane, who had travelled from Crowborough in solidarity with the people of Bicester and Piddington.
Crowborough residents have also taken to the streets in recent months after 540 asylum seekers were housed in former barracks near their East Sussex town.
“We’re here to support these people, to tell them of our experiences, which, quite frankly, would make your teeth itch,” Mr Lane said.
The Crowborough man expressed his fury at the Government’s response to the town’s concerns.
“Don’t believe anything that anybody tells you,” he implored, referring to the Home Office.
“If they told you today is Saturday, then check because it might not be. They don’t tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”
Speaking of the people in Bicester, Mr Lane said: “They’ve every right to be concerned because Bicester will without doubt have a presence of the people that are living just outside.
“They will come into Bicester. They come into Crowborough and drink alcohol there. They loiter around. We’ve had different incidents,” he added.
A Home Office spokesman said: “The government is working on a fairer distribution of asylum accommodation across the country, with over £1billion saved in costs since the election.
“We engage with local authorities and police forces to ensure the safety and security of those in the surrounding area. They went on to say we are closing all asylum hotels and moving to alternative accommodation, including former military sites.
“These are designed to be self-contained, with 24/7 security and CCTV to reduce the impact on local communities.”
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