Barge set to house around 500 asylum seekers on the move from Falmouth
It's on its way to Portland, Dorset
Last updated 17th Jul 2023
A barge set to house around 500 asylum seekers off the coast of Dorset has left its berth in Falmouth.
Tugs began towing the vessel out of the harbour today (Monday 17 July). The Home Office have confirmed that it's on its way to Portland.
The Bibby Stockholm has been in the Cornish town since May to be refitted.
It is part of the Home Office's policy to manage immigration, as they say it's "significantly cheaper" than renting hotels.
Human rights campaigners have criticised the plans, describing it as a "floating jail".
The first asylum seekers are expected to board the Bibby Stockholm later this month.
A spokesperson for Portland Port said: "The Bibby Stockholm has departed from Falmouth and is due to arrive for berthing in Portland in the coming days.
"On arrival it will be connected to Portland Port’s fresh water and mains sewerage network as part of preparations for the arrival of the first group of asylum seekers in the coming weeks."
Dorset Council has been given a £2 million funding package to meet the cost of providing services for the barge's residents.
A Home Office spokesperson said: "We can confirm that Bibby Stockholm is now on its way to Portland Port.
"Using vessels as alternative accommodation, like our European neighbours are already doing, will be better value for British taxpayers and more manageable for communities than costly hotels.
"We continue to work extremely closely with local councils and key partners to prepare for arrival of asylum seekers later this month and minimise disruption for local resident including through substantial financial support."
Pictures from Falmouth:
