Conservative and Reform UK politicians clash at Oxfordshire press conference

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 13:01 · Archive

Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp and Reform UK's Zia Yusuf argued at a press conference in Piddington over government asylum policies.

A press conference in Piddington, Oxfordshire, descended into a heated argument between two senior opposition figures. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp and Reform UK's home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf clashed over government plans to convert the nearby MoD Bicester site into accommodation for detained asylum seekers. The site could house more than 1,200 people as part of the government's effort to close asylum hotels and use former military bases instead.

Mr Yusuf demanded an apology from Mr Philp over the Conservative government's immigration record, claiming the party had failed to secure the borders. 'We would not be in this mess if you had used your majority to secure our borders,' he said. Mr Philp responded by accusing Mr Yusuf of being 'disingenuous' and telling him to 'calm down'. 'The public here want you to pipe down on cheap politics,' Mr Philp added.

The event was organised by Tim McNally, chairman of Piddington Parish Council, following the government's decision to grant full planning permission for the asylum accommodation site. Both parties have sent politicians to the village in recent months to show support to campaigners opposing the plans. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Mr Philp 'won that exchange and the applause', whilst Reform UK leader Nigel Farage defended his party's representative, saying Mr Philp had much to apologise for.

How it is being reported

• Watch: Senior politicians in tense shouting match in Oxfordshire villageA press conference erupted into a shouting match between two senior politicians in an Oxfordshire village.Oxfordshire Guardian · 14 Nov, 12:30
• Watch: Senior politicians in tense shouting match in Oxfordshire villageA press conference erupted into a shouting match between two senior politicians in an Oxfordshire village.Oxford Mail · 14 Nov, 12:30

In this story: Chris Philp · Zia Yusuf · Kemi Badenoch · Nigel Farage · Piddington · Conservative Party · Reform UK · MoD Bicester

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