End of an Era
Ministers are set to bid farewell to the Bibby Stockholm barge, which was used to house migrants off the south coast, as part of an overhaul to the asylum system. The contract for the vessel in Dorset will not be renewed in January, as the need for accommodation decreases and the asylum backlog clears.
Cost-Cutting Measures
The Bibby Stockholm and military RAF bases were utilized by the previous Tory government to reduce the high costs of accommodating migrants in hotels. However, the government estimates that continuing to use the vessel would cost over £20 million next year, leading to the decision to end the contract.
Savings and Future Plans
Changes implemented by Labour are expected to result in savings of £7.7 billion in the asylum system over the next decade. Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle emphasized the government's commitment to restoring order to the asylum system, enforcing rules, and reducing taxpayer expenses on accommodation.
Challenges and Controversy
The Bibby Stockholm, capable of housing 500 people, faced various setbacks since its commission in April last year, including the discovery of dangerous bacteria and a tragic incident involving an Albanian asylum seeker. Despite the decision not to renew the contract, concerns remain over the treatment of migrants in other facilities.
