Another village is considering taking symbolic steps toward independence from the UK, this time due to concerns over plans to house asylum seekers. The idea follows a recent symbolic vote in Piddington, Oxfordshire, where residents voted to leave the UK. Now, Barnham in Suffolk is looking to take a similar approach, as the government is considering using a former RAF base on the village's outskirts to house over 1,200 asylum seekers. Parish councillors from Barnham are set to visit Piddington to learn from their experience and see if a similar protest vote could be effective in their own community. Councillor John Bauer, chairman of Barnham’s parish council, said the Piddington vote had raised awareness and inspired his team. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two villages, saying a joint effort could be more impactful than separate actions. If Barnham were to hold its own symbolic vote, it could add further pressure on the government. The proposed housing plan would place around 1,250 male asylum seekers aged 18 to 65 at the RAF Barnham site. According to the Home Office, the site would be largely self-sufficient to reduce the impact on the local community. However, many villagers feel powerless against the plans. Barnham, a historic village with fewer than 600 residents, has seen growing unease. Kerri Williams, a lifelong resident, expressed concerns about safety, noting that the perceived risk of crime has made some residents reluctant to support the plan. Protesters have set up a camp near the former RAF base, with signs and messages expressing opposition. Slogans like "Thetford says no!" and "Our kids and women won't be safe!" have been displayed. The plans, which would involve housing up to 3,750 asylum seekers across three former military sites, have led to unrest in nearby Thetford. In August, protesters threw eggs at homes believed to house migrants, and a police officer was bitten during the conflict. Meanwhile, in Piddington, far-right figures have been accused of influencing the symbolic independence vote, with some villagers expressing concerns about the political direction of the movement.