Permission for asylum seeker barge in London rejected, confirms Royal Docks
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ermission to berth a barge housing asylum seekers at an east London docks has been rejected, it has been confirmed.
London’s Royal Docks mentioned it had knowledgeable the Home Office final month that water beside City Airport wouldn’t be acceptable as a possible location to moor one among its floating lodging vessels for refugees.
The use of barges is a part of Government efforts to discourage migrants from embarking on harmful Channel crossings in small boats and to scale back the quantity spent on motels for these arriving in Britain through illegal routes.
Labour Mayor of London Mr Khan had set out his objections publicly to the suggestion a location within the capital could possibly be chosen for such a vessel.
He has since written to Home Secretary Suella Braverman to specific his assist for the Royal Docks’ resolution to disclaim permission for a barge.
I’d urge you within the strongest potential phrases to desert the Government’s plans to accommodate these searching for asylum in vessels
“I am writing to you following the recent decision by the Royal Docks Management Authority to reject the use of King George V Dock as a berth to accommodate people seeking asylum,” he informed the Cabinet minister in a letter seen by the PA news company.
“I wish first to put on record my support for this decision and secondly to outline my absolute opposition to the Government’s policy of housing asylum seekers on vessels.”
Scott Derben, managing director of London’s Royal Docks, informed PA: “London’s Royal Docks were approached by the Home Office to look at the feasibility of berthing a cruise ship to house asylum seekers.
“After investigation, it was concluded that this would not be an appropriate use for the Royal Docks.
“The Home Office were informed of this decision in May.”
Mr Khan mentioned the UK’s capital had a “proud history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge” as he set out his “deep concerns” in regards to the Conservative Government coverage of housing asylum seekers on barges.
He informed Mrs Braverman there was “no evidence” that barge lodging would act as a deterrent to these searching for to return to Britain and argued it might “leave large numbers of people in wholly unsuitable conditions”.
The former MP additionally mentioned the boats can be “highly visible” and that these being housed in them could possibly be at “significant risk” from focusing on by far-right protests.
“I would urge you in the strongest possible terms to abandon the Government’s plans to accommodate those seeking asylum in vessels,” he added.
Rishi Sunak this week insisted that his pledge to “stop the boats” was “starting to work”, as he revealed two extra big vessels might be used for migrant lodging.
The Prime Minister declined to say the place the 2 new barges can be moored, however there was hypothesis that the vessels could possibly be moored close to Liverpool and Middlesbrough.
The Guardian additionally reported the Royal Docks was amongst various different areas being mentioned as a part of plans to accumulate extra barges and former cruise ships.
A Home Office spokeswoman, requested about Royal Docks’ stance, mentioned: “The pressure on the asylum system has continued to grow and requires us to look at a range of accommodation options which offer better value for the British taxpayer than expensive hotels.
“This is why we continue to source new alternative sites and vessels to accommodate migrants, which are more manageable for communities, as our European neighbours are doing.
“We understand the concerns of local communities and will work closely with councils and key partners to manage the impact of using these sites, including liaising with local police to make sure appropriate arrangements are in place.”
The Government’s Illegal Migration Bill is presently within the Lords, the place it has confronted sturdy criticism and shut scrutiny from friends.
The Bill would require the Home Secretary to take away from the nation any migrants who arrive irregularly to one of many nations on the protected checklist, with agreements presently in place with Rwanda and Albania.