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Search the Public Notice PortalA Reform UK councillor, who joined protesters opposing plans for an asylum camp at a former Bicester military site, has responded after being questioned over his stance on a nationalist group.
Michael Wilson, who represents Bicester West, attended the demonstration in Bicester town centre on Saturday, November 7, alongside residents and campaigners from other parts of the country.
The protest follows controversial plans for MOD Bicester Site A to accommodate up to 1,256 single adult male asylum seekers.
The Government has submitted an Urgent Crown Development application seeking permission to use the former defence storage and distribution centre for non-detained asylum accommodation for 10 years.
Campaigners from Bicester, Crowborough, Barnham, Wethersfield and Linton-on-Ouse were expected to take part in the protest.
Writing on Facebook, Michael Wilson said: “I was proud to be part of the peaceful protest in Bicester town centre, standing alongside residents from my own ward of Bicester West and the wider Bicester community.
“It was great to see people coming together, united in raising their concerns about the proposed use of MOD sites for asylum accommodation.
“Five sites, one voice – communities standing together.”
Members of Patriotic Alternative were also seen on the march.
Local campaigner Claire Brenner, who has previously raised serious ecological concerns about the Site A proposals, took to social media following the protest and questioned whether Mr Wilson supported the group.
The organisation says it was founded by Mark Collett in 2019 and campaigns for what it calls the “indigenous people of Britain”.
It describes itself as one of Britain's largest nationalist organisations and says it pursues “non-compromising, radical politics”.
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Its published policies include halting almost all immigration and restricting asylum provision on ethnic and ancestral grounds.
In response to Ms Brenner, Mr Wilson said: “Claire has publicly questioned my attendance and whether I support Patriotic Alternative.
“Attending a demonstration does not automatically mean endorsing every organisation or individual present. That principle should apply consistently to everyone.”
The councillor also turned the questions back on Ms Brenner, asking whether she supported welcoming asylum seekers and refugees into Bicester and whether her objection was specifically to Site A or to the Government's wider asylum accommodation policy.
He also asked what alternative she would support if Site A was deemed unsuitable and how compassion for asylum seekers should be balanced against residents' concerns.
A Q&A session was also held as part of the day, giving people the opportunity to raise questions and concerns surrounding the proposed Bicester accommodation centre.
Mr Wilson said it was important as a councillor to “listen to residents, stand alongside them and ensure their concerns are heard”, adding that he was proud the protest had remained peaceful.
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