Trump has always been obsessed with making America the "51st state". Finally, someone is going to apply to join.
Recently, due to dissatisfaction with the British government’s immigration policy, a symbolic “referendum” was held in Piddleton village in Oxfordshire, England. Subsequently, this village with a population of about 350 people announced its independence from the UK.
According to a report by the American magazine Newsweek on September 20th, Tim McNally, chairman of the Piddington Village Parish Council, said in an interview that if the British government continues to pursue the plan to settle 1250 immigrants on the outskirts of the village, they plan to formally request to join the United States.
McNally said that the village can seek “support from the United States and become its 51st state”.
He added that they have written a letter to Trump and sent a document to the U.S. embassy, explaining their reasons.
This village council member, Joe Marshall, told Newsweek he supports this proposal.
"This is a good idea," Marshall commented, "The US has done this before… The US went through the American Revolution and Civil War. I think we are now at the beginning of another internal war. I believe we should join the US." He continued: “We're currently like the Americans 250 years ago, paying taxes without representation..."
Local council member Michael Nixon added, "We have not had direct conversations with the U.S. government, but we have received a great deal of support from American citizens. I have personally received emails from all over the United States saying 'We welcome you', and that is truly very appreciated."
Foreign Minister's spokesperson responded by stating that they understand the feelings of citizens in Pingdingshan and are earnestly listening to their concerns.
On September 16 local time, villagers in Piddington, Oxfordshire, England voted in favor of “independence”. British media reported this.
According to the British newspaper The Guardian, a symbolic 'referendum' was held in Piddleton village on September 17th. The results were announced on the 16th local time, with 312 people participating. Among them, 285 residents voted in favor of 'independence', 26 residents opposed it, and one vote was voided.
Subsequently, Piddleton Village announced its independence from Britain, renamed 'Piddleton Duchies', and erected a signpost outside the village.
This move is aimed at protesting against the British government’s immigration settlement plan. The British government plans to convert a Department of Defense facility in Birston-on-Sea, Oxfordshire, to house 1256 male immigrants. Since the settlement location is close to Piddleton Village, this arrangement has caused strong dissatisfaction among the villagers.
Local councilwoman Susanna Parden told Newsweek that the villagers are most concerned about safety issues.
"As a woman, I can speak for the women in our village. We are deeply afraid," she said, "We truly feel that the safety of women and children is threatened because we don't know what the refugee camp will look like, and the government has not communicated with us at all."
She stated that in Piddington Village, about one-third of the population consists of elderly people, one-third have children, and obviously half of the residents are women.
