Sadiq Khan ‘strongly opposed’ to any London asylum seekers barge plan
L
ondon Mayor Sadiq Khan has mentioned he opposes “in the strongest possible terms” any Home Office plans to moor one other barge housing asylum seekers on the metropolis’s Royal Docks.
The east London docks, beside City Airport, was named in reviews this week as a possible new web site to accommodate asylum seekers as a part of Government efforts to crack down on Channel crossings.
The Home Office has not confirmed any such plan, however Mr Khan mentioned his workplace had been “recently made aware of Home Office proposals to use the Royal Docks”.
The mayor mentioned he opposed such plans “in the strongest possible terms”.
The Government’s method to asylum seekers is merciless and unworkable, and will probably be made worse by the Illegal Migration Bill
He mentioned: “I am proud of London’s history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge, and I am concerned that vulnerable people fleeing appalling circumstances would not have access to the support they need, with their safety, health and wellbeing being put at serious risk.
“The Government’s approach to asylum seekers is cruel and unworkable, and will be made worse by the Illegal Migration Bill.
“Instead councils and relevant partners need to retain the legal powers and the funding to support asylum seekers humanely and with dignity. We all have a responsibility to help those escaping oppression and violence, and ministers need to completely rethink their plans as a matter of urgency.”
Rishi Sunak this week insisted that his pledge to “stop the boats” was “starting to work”, as he revealed two extra big vessels will probably be used for migrant lodging.
The Prime Minister declined to say the place the 2 new barges can be moored, however there may be hypothesis that barges could possibly be moored close to Liverpool and Middlesbrough.
The Guardian additionally reported the Royal Docks, that are managed by the Royal Docks Management Authority Limited, was amongst a variety of different areas being mentioned as a part of plans to amass extra barges and former cruise ships.
The Home Office on Thursday declined to verify whether or not the London docks was a part of discussions.
A Home Office spokesperson 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 at present 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 international locations on the secure listing, though they at present solely have agreements to this impact with Rwanda and Albania.