South Dorset MP says migrant barge 'imposed' on Portland
Further concerns have been raised, just days ahead of its arrival here
Last updated 6th Jul 2023
A huge barge, that's set to house up to 500 migrants, is expected to make its way to Portland Port in the coming days.
It'll accommodate men while their asylum applications are processed, and has been kitted out for use in Cornwall.
South Dorset MP Richard Drax claims his constituents are 'tired' of hearing that the plan is in the 'national interest'.
He's raised the issue in Parliament:
"My constituents in Weymouth and on Portland and I are getting a little tired of being told that placing a migrant barge in our port is in the national interest. It is not in the national interest, nor in ours.
“This barge, designed for 222, will accommodate 506 illegal migrants testing our already overstretched resources. It was imposed on us without any consultation.
“There are many concerns, both over the barge and on what 506 young men will do going around a seaside resort at the height of the summer, unmonitored and with little money.”
The Bibby Stockholm is part of government plans to reduce reliance on hotel rooms.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden responded to Mr Drax in the House of Commons:
"I'm sure my honourable friend appreciates that we need to reduce the bill of housing asylum seekers in hotels, and we need to look at different measures to accommodate them.
"Of course, I am very happy to engage with the honourable gentleman, I am sure the Home Secretary will do so as well, to ensure that we can find a satisfactory solution in his constituency that protects his constituents’ interests.”