Dorset anti-racism group holding 'solidarity protest' over Portland barge
They believe the plans to house asylum seekers is 'wrong'
Last updated 15th May 2023
Campaigners claim a huge barge off Dorset is not a suitable place to house hundreds of people fleeing war and repression.
A rally is being held at Portland Port later against the government plans which will see 500 adults accommodated onboard the vessel from June.
There are fears asylum seekers will feel like they're being treated like prisoners.
The rally will form up at Victoria Square from 12.30pm today (Saturday 13th May) and make its way to Portland Port.
Grafton Straker, joint Chair of Stand Up to Racism Dorset, said:
“Portland Port didn’t get their way when they tried to make money out of housing an incinerator in Portland. Now they want to profit from the plight of refugees. They should be ashamed, and should start listening to local people.”
The government plans to place thousands of refugees on ships and barges – with the first barge in Portland Harbour due to arrive in June proposed to house over 500 men.
The Stockholm Bibby is currently docked in Falmouth in Cornwall, being fitted out for use in Dorset.
Portland Councillor Carralyn Parkes said:
“Refugees are people fleeing war and crisis. The government has closed routes by which most can reach the UK– now it says those who arrive after long, dangerous journeys are ‘illegal’. Inhumane barges and army camps are no solution.”
Today's protest will also demand adequate funding for NHS and welfare services that are needed to support Portland communities and all those who come to live in South Dorset.
The march will pass Portland Community Hospital, which local people are campaigning to keep open and for adequate health services for the Island.
Lynne Hubbard, joint Chair of Stand Up to Racism Dorset, said:
“We welcome refugees, but it’s just not right to imprison them in Portland without the resources that are needed, and when Portland Port will be making huge profits from this situation."
Both Dorset Council and the county's Police and Crime Commissioner have raised concerns about the barge's suitability.
In a statement from the Home Office, Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said:
“This Government has been clear that the use of expensive hotels to house the unprecedented number of asylum seekers crossing the Channel is unacceptable and must end – there are currently more than 51,000 asylum seekers in hotels costing the UK taxpayer £6 million a day.
“This is why we will be using alternative accommodation options, as our European neighbours are doing – including the use of barges to save the British taxpayer money.
“We are continuing to work closely with the councils and key partners to manage any impact in Falmouth and Portland and that appropriate arrangements are in place.”