Asylum seekers set to maneuver on to Bibby Stockholm barge ‘subsequent week’ after delays
Asylum seekers could possibly be moved on to the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge subsequent week, Sky News understands.
The vessel, which is currently docked in Portland on the coast of Dorset, was supposed to start out accepting arrivals final week, but was pushed back.
Sky News reported that the primary individuals would then move on to the barge on Tuesday this week – however that additionally was held up after final minute conferences have been held responding to fireside security considerations.
A authorities supply mentioned the primary arrivals might now come “next week”, because the native council in Portland “doesn’t want new services beginning on a Thursday or Friday”.
The supply mentioned the delay was as a result of “working practices for port workers have to be signed off for the health and safety executive” – and never as a result of there have been “fire safety issues”, as had been reported.
Transport minister Richard Holden informed Sky News this morning that the barge was going by means of its “final checks” however wouldn’t verify if it was security fears inflicting the maintain up.
However, he added: “It is right that whatever accommodation we provide is safe and secure as well.
“I can not put a timeline on it… the checks are going to take so long as they will take. It is necessary we get these items proper.”
Labour’s shadow justice secretary Steve Reed said the latest delay showed the Conservatives were “failing in completely each single means” in coping with the variety of asylum instances coming by means of the system.
“The hotels are absolutely chock-full of asylum seekers because [the government] are failing to process these cases,” he informed Sky News.
“The Rwanda scheme is just never going to work – it’s just a gimmick to grab the headlines rather than deal with the problem. And now we’re seeing the same problem with the barge as well.”
The 222-bedroom Bibby Stockholm will begin housing 50 single males initially earlier than housing as much as 500 people who find themselves presently staying in motels.
Protesters in Portland in Dorset after the Bibby Stockholm lodging barge arrived from dry dock in Falmouth, Cornwall
The barge could have 24-hour safety and accommodate single males solely, who will sleep in bunk beds with between two and 6 individuals per en-suite room.
The vessel has attracted a backlash from Tory MPs, together with Richard Drax, who represents South Dorset, and Chris Loder, for West Dorset, who has demanded to see safety reports and claimed it’s going to home double the quantity of individuals it’s designed to carry.
Ben Selby, the assistant basic secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, criticised what he known as “a reckless approach to the safety and well-being of both vulnerable refugees and firefighters” after the hearth security considerations have been raised.
“The Home Office has declared that this plan is a cheaper option for housing asylum seekers,” he mentioned.
“This is a damning indictment of the prevailing attitude that saving money is the highest priority, with people’s lives treated as collateral damage.
“Everyone has the best to reside in secure lodging and we again the calls urging these plans are deserted instantly.”
What is it like onboard the Bibby Stockholm?
Asked concerning the hearth security concern in the present day, Rishi Sunak mentioned: “All migrant accommodation has to go through a series of checks and inspections to make sure it complies with regulations.
“That’s what’s occurring on this case.
“This is finally about equity. I do not assume it is truthful that British taxpayers are forking out £6m a day to accommodate unlawful migrants in motels.
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“I need to put an finish to that – and that is why we’re passing new legal guidelines.”
Mr Sunak said the Illegal Migration Act – which became law late last month – was the “proper, truthful and compassionate” thing to do.
It will mean that anyone arriving in the UK illegally will be ineligible to claim asylum.
It will also place on the home secretary a duty to remove illegal immigrants to their home country or a safe third country such as Rwanda – a coverage that’s presently held up within the courts.
Meanwhile, migrants who arrive within the UK illegally will likely be banned from returning sooner or later and also will restrict the authorized routes for attraction in opposition to a elimination order.