July 23rd 2024.
The Home Office recently made an announcement that has caused quite a stir. They will no longer require the use of the Bibby Stockholm, a barge that has been housing 400 migrants. This decision comes after the barge's contract expires in January. Currently moored in Portland, Dorset, the Bibby Stockholm is one of three major sites that provide accommodation for asylum seekers.
Interestingly, the barge was initially created by the Conservative Government as a cost-saving measure. Instead of housing migrants in hotels, the barge seemed like a more affordable option. However, the first group of asylum seekers who were housed on the barge were quickly evacuated due to the discovery of Legionella bacteria on board.
In addition to the Bibby Stockholm, two other sites, RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and RAF Wethersfield in Essex, are also set to be closed. The Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle MP, has stated that this decision is part of their efforts to restore order to the asylum system and ensure that the rules are properly enforced.
One can't help but wonder about the fate of the migrants currently residing on the barge. Footage shows people carrying bags as they walk up the gangway into the Bibby Stockholm. There have been protests calling for the barge to be shut down ever since it was built. The Home Secretary has also announced plans to clear the asylum backlog and reduce the huge costs incurred by taxpayers for accommodation.
It's worth noting that the Bibby Stockholm will continue to be in use until its contract expires in January 2025. However, its journey has not been smooth sailing. Commissioned in April 2023, the barge only began housing people in August. With 20ft-high fences, constant CCTV surveillance, and round-the-clock security provided by 18 guards trained to military standard, the barge has been referred to as a 'floating prison' by campaigners who fear that it will become overcrowded.
Unfortunately, in December, a tragic incident occurred on the barge when an Albanian asylum seeker took their own life. This has raised concerns about the well-being of the migrants housed on the barge. The Agency, a news outlet, has been providing updates on the situation through their Twitter and Facebook accounts. They also offer a convenient option for readers to receive their articles directly on their devices through daily push alerts. It's a great way to stay informed about this and other important issues.
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