October 29th 2024.
Residents of a barge, known as the Bibby Stockholm, had to be evacuated shortly after moving in due to the discovery of Legionella disease in the water supply last year. This disease, which can lead to serious cases of pneumonia, was a major concern for charities who had already dubbed the vessel a "floating prison" for up to 400 asylum seekers.
The barge, which had been used as accommodation for asylum seekers for just over a year off the coast of Dorset, was part of a cost-saving plan by the previous Conservative government. However, the use of this barge came with controversy as charities argued that it was cruel and inhumane to house people seeking asylum in such conditions.
Before the first asylum seekers were moved onto the Bibby Stockholm, the Care4Calais charity spoke out, stating that it is only right for human beings to be housed in communities rather than on barges. They also criticized the government for not focusing on processing asylum claims and instead, playing to an audience that thrives on human suffering.
Now, in an effort to clear the backlog of asylum claims, the government has decided to close down the Bibby Stockholm as well as other sites used for housing asylum seekers, such as RAF Wethersfield and RAF Scampton. Asylum seekers who were residing on the barge will be relocated across England, with locations including Cardiff, Wolverhampton, and Bristol. However, none of these individuals will be moved to the Dorset Council area.
A spokesperson for the Home Office stated that the government inherited an asylum system that was under unprecedented strain, with thousands of individuals stuck in a backlog without their claims being processed. In an effort to address this issue and save an estimated £7 billion for taxpayers over the next 10 years, the government has taken immediate action to restart asylum processing and increase the number of returns for those who do not have the right to remain in the UK.
Furthermore, the Home Office remains committed to ending the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers and believes that over time, this will reduce the reliance on such accommodations and lower costs. As for the residents of the Bibby Stockholm, they will continue to await a decision on their asylum claims as they are relocated to different areas in England.
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