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Reform and Tory Spokesmen in Angry Clash over Immigration at Piddington
The row followed approval for a plan that could house more than 1,200 asylum seekers at the former MoD Bicester site, officials said.
On Friday, Conservative Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp and Reform's Zia Yusuf clashed publicly during a Piddington protest against Housing Secretary Angela Rayner's approval of asylum accommodation at the former MoD Bicester site.
Rayner granted planning permission for the MoD Bicester site to house up to 1,256 men, a decision intended to reduce reliance on asylum hotels but which triggered intense local opposition and outcry.
Yusuf criticized Conservative immigration records, saying they "refused" to secure the country's borders when in power; Philp responded by telling him to "pipe down on the cheap politics" and warning, "Buddy, you're in a hole, stop digging."
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Yusuf's performance following the row, while Piddington Parish Council chairman Tim McNally thanked both politicians for attending and indicated local opposition would continue through legal challenges.
The government insists the MoD Bicester facility will be safe, featuring "24/7 security and CCTV to minimise the impact on the local community," though significant local opposition persists and legal challenges are expected.