Reform UK councillor Michael Wilson, who represents Bicester West, joined a demonstration in Bicester town centre on Saturday, November 7, after residents and campaigners from elsewhere in the country gathered to oppose plans for an asylum accommodation facility.
The proposed development concerns the MOD’s Bicester Site A, previously used for defence storage and distribution.
Up to 1,256 single adult men could be accommodated there under plans submitted to the Government.
An Urgent Crown Development application has been lodged with the authorities, seeking consent to use the former military facility as non-detained asylum accommodation for a period of 10 years.
Representatives from campaigners based in Bicester, Crowborough, Barnham, Wethersfield and Linton-on-Ouse were expected at the gathering.
Wilson subsequently said he had stood with residents from Bicester West and other parts of Bicester during the peaceful protest, which brought together people concerned about the proposed use of MOD sites.
Members of Patriotic Alternative also joined the march.
The organisation, which states that it was established by Mark Collett in 2019, campaigns for what it terms the indigenous people of Britain.
It presents itself as one of the country’s largest nationalist organisations and says it promotes uncompromising, radical politics.
Its policies include seeking to halt almost all immigration and limit asylum provision on ethnic and ancestral grounds.
Local campaigner Claire Brenner, who has previously raised ecological objections connected with the Site A scheme, subsequently questioned Wilson about his position towards Patriotic Alternative.
Wilson replied that appearing at a demonstration did not amount to backing every organisation or individual attending it, and maintained that the principle should be applied to everyone.
Wilson also asked Brenner about her views on welcoming asylum seekers and refugees into Bicester.
He sought clarification over whether her objections related specifically to Site A or to the Government’s broader policy on asylum accommodation.
In addition, he asked what alternative she would favour if Site A were considered unsuitable and how concern for asylum seekers could be weighed against issues raised by residents.
A question-and-answer session formed part of the event, allowing attendees to raise matters connected with the proposed Bicester centre.
Wilson said the protest remained peaceful and that, in his role as a councillor, he considered it important to hear residents, stand with them and ensure their concerns were acknowledged.