The ship had left Falmouth in Cornwall on Monday morning, a month late. Her arrival in Dorset came hours after the government’s illegal migration bill was passed by the Lords.
A controversial barge with a capacity for 500 asylum seekers has arrived in Dorset.
He bibby stockholm it left Falmouth in Cornwall on Monday, a month late.
It was pulled by a tugboat into Portland Harbor Tuesday morning.
The ship’s arrival in Dorset, which has been opposed by the local MP and residents, came hours after the government Illegal immigration law passed by the Lords.
The first asylum seekers are expected to board the Bibby Stockholm later this month.
Downing Street has defended the use of barges to house migrants, insisting it is a cheaper alternative to hotel accommodation.
Rishi SunakThe ‘s official spokesperson told reporters: “I think it is right for the general public that we move away from a situation where £6m a day of taxpayers’ money goes to putting these people up in hotels “.
“That’s not a good use of money and obviously puts unplanned pressure on local areas as well.
“We believe that it is better to open specific sites designed to house arriving immigrants, to do it in a more planned way.
“That’s what we’re looking to do with Bibby Stockholm and that’s what we’re looking to do in other parts of the country — open sites to take pressure off local areas and bring cost down.”
Barge to house asylum seekers arrives in UK
A Home Office spokesman said the use of boats as accommodation will be “better value” for taxpayers and “more manageable for communities than expensive hotels”.
“We continue to work very closely with local councils and key partners to prepare for the arrival of asylum seekers later this month and minimize disruption to local residents, including through substantial financial support,” they added.
During the debate on the Illegal Migration Bill, Home Office Secretary Lord Murray of Blidworth said the UK asylum system was “overwhelmed” by the arrival of small boats.
He told his colleagues: “With more than 45,000 people crossing the English Channel dangerously last year, this is simply not sustainable anymore.
“If people know there’s no way for them to stay in the UK, they won’t risk their lives or pay criminals thousands of pounds to get here illegally.
“Therefore, it is only right that we stop the ships and break the business model of criminal gangs that exploit vulnerable people, ultimately allowing government greater ability to provide a safe haven for those at risk. of war and persecution”.
Bill could cause ‘unimaginable harm and trauma’ to children
However, health experts have said that the Illegal migration bill risks causing “unimaginable levels of harm and trauma” to detained children.
A coalition of doctors and leading medical experts said the legislation could cause PTSD, depression and suicidal behavior among young people.
Shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell said Labor would not repeal the Illegal Migration Bill, but remains opposed to the government’s proposal. Politics of Rwanda.
Last week, ministers were given permission to appeal to the Supreme Court to have the policy moved after the Court of Appeal ruled plans to send asylum seekers to the East African nation were illegal.
Ms Powell told Sky News’ Kay Burley on Tuesday morning that the use of barges showed the government’s plans were not working.
“These barges … are a sign of failure that the delays continue, that we need more and more capacity in the hotels, on the barges and elsewhere to deal with people who are waiting for decisions, because that’s just not happening.”
Read more: New record for crossings of the English Channel in a single day so far this year
Migration bill ‘risk trauma’
The government is also planning to use disused airfields to house asylum migrants, but is facing a High Court challenge from councilors and activists.
Braintree Borough Council and a nearby resident are taking legal action to challenge the use of Wethersfield in Essex to house up to 1,700 men.
Dozens of asylum seekers have already been transferred to the site.
West Lindsey District Council is also challenging similar plans for RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.
