By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-09-22 07:40:59 | Updated at 2026-09-22 08:38:27
1 hour ago
A leaked report has revealed a rare species of newt was previously discovered at a proposed asylum camp in Oxfordshire.
Ecologists at the former Ministry of Defence (MoD) garrison next to the village of Piddington found a "large" population of great crested newts, which are strictly protected by environmental law.
A series of surveys had taken place at the site back in 2008 when it was originally pitched as an 800-bed immigration removal centre.
However, the then-Conservative Government scrapped the plans two years later, citing the cost of developing the site.
The report was flagged by one of the campaigners fighting the new asylum plans, reports The Telegraph.
Critics of the scheme said it is evidence to challenge the Home Office’s claim that its "preliminary" surveys have found "no recorded protected species present on the site".
Residents, who have conducted their own surveys, claim they show evidence not only of the newts but also barbastelle bats, one of the rarest endangered species of bat in the UK and internationally.
Added costs of protecting endangered species could add massive costs to the site in a further headache for the Home Office over the controversial proposals.
Reports suggested the Great Crested Newt was found at the site (file pic)
WIKICOMMONS
In their report for the Border Agency ecologists said they had discovered 157 adult great crested newts in a single visit to the MoD site.
Pointing to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, activists said the newts were guaranteed protection against "unlawful disturbance, killing and injuring" while their resting and breeding places were also protected by habitat regulations.
The Home Office said ecological surveys were ongoing.
However, a spokesman added: "Preliminary ecological surveys have identified no recorded protected species present on the site, and a licence is only required if officially identified.
"It has been concluded use of the site is unlikely to have a significant impact on the environment."
Piddington has declared independence
The people of Piddington last week voted to secede from the UK after Labour announced plans to house 1,256 male asylum seekers at the nearby former military base.
The symbolic poll drew widespread media attention and also caught the attention of some in Barnham, Suffolk, where RAF Barnham has been identified as a possible asylum accommodation site.
Chairman of Barnham Parish Council John Bauer said a "small group" would travel to Piddington on Tuesday evening to meet campaigners there.
He said: "It’s really a fact-finding mission, I guess to find out a bit more about exactly what they’ve done, how effective it’s all been and whether that’s something we would want to do in Barnham."
Mr Bauer said that at the last census around 580 people were recorded as living in Barnham.
He added: "Why is Barnham not suitable (for the proposed asylum accommodation)? Where do you want me to begin?
"1,250 single men being accommodated next to a village of less than 600 – the numbers themselves, I mean, it’s so disproportionate.
"It’s not like they would be contained within the site, they’re not restricted."
The Conservative leader met with Piddington residents
PA
Meeting residents of Piddington this week, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has told villagers "please don’t leave".
Speaking to more than 40 women at Piddington village hall, Mrs Badenoch said: "I know you had the referendum, the village referendum, to leave the United Kingdom. Please don’t leave."
She said she understood the poll was "just a sign of how desperate the situation is for young people here, for the women here, to be honest, even the men".
