PM Andy Burnham in Oxfordshire pledge amid asylum centre row

The new Labour prime minister has said he will “look into the issues raised by the good people of Piddington” after villagers threatened an independence referendum over a Home Office plan.

The scheme to house asylum seekers at MOD Bicester Site A, which is next to the village, has been widely condemned by local people.

READ MORE: Donald Trump plea amid Oxfordshire village independence vote

It could be operational as early as the end of 2026 with Calum Miller MP for Bicester and Woodstock saying 1,250 men could be placed at the facility, which borders the local playing field.

Responding to a question by GB News, Mr Burnham said that more affluent areas would have to host asylum seekers as well.

The Ministry of Defence site in Bicester. (Image: Anita Maric / SWNS)

The new Prime Minister said: “I will listen to what people are saying and respond to the concerns that they are putting forward.

“I don’t know the issue yet in detail, but in some ways, as I understand it, it is about creating secure space.”

READ MORE: Oxfordshire village to hold historic UK independence vote

He added: “It’s obviously going to be challenging, but I am prepared always to listen to people, to work with people, and to pick up legitimate concerns, and I will address those concerns.

“I do have to say, we cannot have a situation where it’s only the poorest communities in the country that receive all of the dispersal of refugees and asylum seekers. I do believe all parts of the country need to work, to play their part.

“We understand people’s concerns and I will look into the issues raised by the good people of the Piddington.”