The newly independent principality of Piddington has chosen the newt as its national animal, a decision that reflects the community’s hope that the endangered creature might help block plans to build a center for 1,250 asylum seekers on nearby land. The announcement came on Thursday, the day after villagers overwhelmingly voted to leave the UK. Parish councillors are also considering whether to ask local children to design a flag and whether the principality’s national sport should be cricket or football. Daniel Thomas, who prefers to be called Danny Tommo, arrived in Piddington as the leader of the Patriot Platform, a balaclava-wearing anti-migrant movement. Thomas offered to rally his supporters to "protect women and children" if the asylum center is built. The village’s decision to secede from the UK came after a vote of 285 to 26, in protest against plans to convert a former military base near the village into housing for asylum seekers. Some residents are still trying to understand the symbolic nature of the vote, which some have likened to the quirky British comedy "Passport to Pimlico." Journalists from Japan, Norway, and Ireland arrived in Piddington, surprised by the lack of public transport and reliable internet. They examined the community noticeboard, trying to understand the village's mindset. Chef Rachel Marsh, who has lived in the village for 20 years, was meeting with police on Friday to discuss her safety after receiving death threats and racist abuse online. She criticized the use of fear to rally people in the village and expressed disappointment in the backlash she faced from both local residents and online activists. Residents oppose the government’s plan to build the asylum housing, announced in June. They are particularly upset about the government's decision to fast-track the project using an 'Urgent Crown Development' application, which allows ministers to bypass local planning processes. Village harmony has been strained by disagreements over how best to oppose the decision. Some focus on legal and environmental concerns, while others highlight the perceived risks to local women. One anonymous resident said the rhetoric in the village has become more hostile toward asylum seekers over the summer. Tim McNally, the leader of the parish council and the independence movement, said the village had "sent a message to the political jugular." He is now reaching out to other village leaders across Britain, sharing advice on how to oppose decisions made by central government. His efforts have caught the attention of Elon Musk, who tweeted about the plans for asylum seeker housing in Oxfordshire. McNally responded with gratitude, saying the attention has helped the village "roar around the world." Parish councillor Joe Marshall expressed cheerfulness about the independence vote but admitted to being unsure about the practicalities of self-governance. The village would continue to recognize King Charles as their monarch, he said. He welcomed the visit from Patriot Platform’s leader, stating that all political figures are welcome to visit. A private meeting was planned to "open dialogue." Marshall assumed the group’s intent was to offer protection, which he said was not needed since no one was currently on the site. He preferred engagement over confrontation. Daniel Thomas arrived in Piddington without a group of masked followers on Thursday. On Friday, he posted a video of himself outside the military base, speaking with villagers. Robin Smith, an IT consultant from Bicester, said he missed the visit, while Andrew Smith, a Network Rail employee, expressed concern about the presence of masked individuals, comparing them to those seen in Dover. He emphasized the need for proper resources for the asylum seekers. Tim Bearder, the Liberal Democrat leader of Oxfordshire County Council, criticized the far right for using the dispute to advance their agenda. He was encouraged by a recent planning committee meeting where local officials expressed concerns about the government's plans. Calum Miller, the Lib Dem MP for Bicester and Woodstock, said the involvement of external groups is not welcomed by most locals. Rachel Marsh, one of the 26 people who opposed the independence vote, expressed unease about the arrival of Patriot Platform’s leader. She said her concerns about the suitability of Site A for the asylum center were the same as the rest of the village, but she believed that objections should not be based on fear-based rhetoric.