Bibby Stockholm asylum barge faces contemporary authorized problem
The Home Office is going through a authorized problem from a neighborhood mayor over whether or not it has the suitable planning permission to accommodate asylum seekers on the Bibby Stockholm barge.
The controversial vessel – docked in Portland, Dorset – noticed its first residents board earlier this month. But inside days, the boys have been moved off after a Legionella outbreak was detected within the water provide.
It will not be but clear when asylum seekers will return to the barge, with Rishi Sunak’s official spokesperson refusing to place a timetable on it.
But the federal government’s plan is now going through a brand new problem with a battle within the courts.
Mayor of Portland and native councillor Carralyn Parkes “put the government on notice” that she supposed to launch a authorized problem in opposition to Home Secretary Suella Braverman on 7 August – although she mentioned she was performing in a “personal capacity as a private individual and local resident” quite than as a politician.
Writing on her crowdfunding web site for the motion, Ms Parkes mentioned: “If you or I want to put up a porch at our home, we need to apply for planning permission. It’s wrong that the Home Office does what it likes without complying with the same rules.
“If they’d utilized for planning permission, they’d have needed to seek the advice of with native folks – however we by no means received the suitable to have our say. I additionally consider that planning permission would have been refused.”
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Ms Parkes attorneys, Deighton Pierce Glynn Solicitors, additionally claimed the Home Office had not received a marine licence for the vessel wanted for some coastal developments, demanding the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) issued an enforcement discover in opposition to the barge till such a licence had been obtained.
And they attacked Dorset Council for “continuing to maintain that it has no power to enforce planning rules over the barge”.
Ms Braverman’s response to the authorized motion had been due on Monday, however the division advised them it will not arrive till late subsequent week.
An announcement from Ms Parkes attorneys mentioned: “We urge the Home Office and Dorset Council to respond to our client’s letters and confirm their position and reasoning for their decision-making.
“Transparency is a key tenet of fine governance. Those affected by authorities’ decision-making are entitled to know what choices are being made and why.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “It can be inappropriate to touch upon ongoing authorized proceedings.”