Illegal migrants ordered back onto barge opt to stay with friends and family in UK

Some migrants choose alternative arrangements

Several of the illegal migrants who were ordered to return to the Bibby Stockholm barge have made last-minute arrangements to stay with friends and family in the UK, instead of boarding the vessel. This revelation comes after months of these individuals being accommodated in taxpayer-funded hotels, costing the government £8 million per day.

Immigration enforcement source speaks out

An immigration enforcement source expressed their frustration, stating that these migrants took advantage of the free hotel accommodation until they realized they would be placed on a barge. The source added, "It just shows what these migrants are up to – ‘give me a hotel and meals for free on the taxpayer’ until they realize it’s going to be a barge and then they’ve got a mate who can put them up."

Return to the barge imminent

After being temporarily relocated to hotels due to a legionella scare onboard the Bibby Stockholm, the 39 migrants are set to return to the 500-bed vessel as early as today. Fresh food has been seen being delivered to the barge in preparation for their re-embarkation.

Government stands firm on housing plan

Downing Street has reaffirmed its commitment to housing asylum seekers on barges in order to reduce the substantial hotel bill. As long as they do not abscond during their asylum process, illegal migrants are allowed to reside wherever they choose. New powers, which have yet to be utilized, will grant the Home Secretary the authority to detain and remove them to a third country, such as Rwanda.

Tory MP calls for stricter measures

Tory MP Marco Longhi argues that illegal immigrants should not have the luxury of choosing their place of residence. He believes that by entering the country illegally, they have committed a crime and should be detained. Suella Braverman, who recently won a High Court battle over the legality of housing asylum seekers on the barge, has also faced criticism.

Government maintains commitment to ending expensive hotel accommodations

A Home Office spokesperson stated that the government is determined to stop using costly hotels for housing asylum seekers. However, they declined to comment on specific cases.

Fury from Tory MP over small boats crisis

MP Rishi Sunak faced backlash from his own party over the ongoing small boats crisis. Hartlepool MP Jill Mortimer expressed her concerns about the influx of asylum seekers and called for action to be taken to remove those who have no right to be in the UK. Prime Minister Boris Johnson assured her that the government is doing everything possible to tackle illegal migration and remove those who do not belong in the country.