Leader of Dorset Council vows to meet asylum seekers Bibby Stockholm
Nick Ireland is calling for the barge to be removed once its contract expires
Calls for the Bibby Stockholm to be removed after its contract expires in January have been reiterated by Dorset Council.
The stance of the council “hasn’t changed” despite a new administration taking office earlier this year.
Council leader Nick Ireland told us: “We didn't ask for the barge, it was imposed on Portland and on the council.
“The solution is to make the asylum system work and give people the answers to their asylum applications quickly so there isn’t any need for the barge.”
Cllr Ireland has promised to visit Portland to speak to those living on the vessel and to campaigners from Stand Up To Racism and the Portland Global Friendship Group.
He said: “There's lots of people out there who want to help the residents on the barge because they're compassionate people and these people deserve our compassion.
“Many of the residents on the barge have probably escaped things that we can’t comprehend and the people of Portland have stepped up, recognised that and offered their support.”
Just last week 122 refuges, many of whom have waited a year for a decision, staged a protest outside the barge.
Campaigners on Portland joined the two-hour sit-in and demanded Dorset Council provide better mental health support for the men onboard.
Their speakers asked the council to continue to oppose the use of the barge, to step up support for barge residents; to use some of the Home Office money to provide facilities which can be used by local people and refugees, and to challenge some of the myths about people living on the barge.
Cllr Ireland has agreed to meet with the men onboard and listen to their concerns.
He said: “It's basic humanity to make people feel welcome, and why wouldn't you, this is no different than somebody moving into your village.
“Immigration is something that's happened in this country for a long time and if these people have valid asylum claims and they can integrate into our community, pay taxes and become valuable members of community then fair play to them.”