Protests and Resistance
Migrants were moved back onto the Bibby Stockholm today after the barge was given the all clear from health officials. The vessel had been sitting empty for two months after deadly legionella bacteria was found on board. However, some of the migrants are reportedly refusing to return to the ship. Around 30 protestors gathered near the entrance of the barge in Portland, holding banners that read "Scrap the prison barge! Refugees welcome".
New Rules for Reluctant Migrants
Home Secretary Suella Braverman announced new strict rules for migrants who do not want to board the Bibby Stockholm. First, they will be evicted from their taxpayer-funded hotel within 24 hours and treated as trespassers if they refuse to leave. They will then be given 5 days to move onto the barge, or else their accommodation support will be completely scrapped.
A Carefully Managed Approach
The Home Office confirmed that tests for the bacteria, as well as improved fire safety protocols, have been completed. The number of people on board the barge will gradually increase with more arrivals in the coming days and months, as part of a carefully structured, phased approach. The government aims to reduce the use of expensive hotels and provide more cost-effective and sustainable accommodation options for both the UK taxpayer and local communities.
Rising Costs
Last month, the taxpayer-funded hotel bill for migrants reached £8 million. The total cost of Britain's asylum and accommodation system has now surpassed £3 billion.
