Migrants barge CONFIRMED for Dorset coastline
Around 500 asylum seekers will be housed off Portland Port
Last updated 5th Apr 2023
Plans to house 500 asylum seekers on a huge barge off Portland have been confirmed by the government.
Ministers say they need to move migrants out of expensive hotels to save taxpayer cash.
The Bibby Stockholm vessel that'll be docked at Portland Port has been dubbed a 'floatel', and will be in place for at least 18 months.
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick said:
"The Home Secretary and I have been clear that the use of expensive hotels to house those making unnecessary and dangerous journeys must stop.
"We will not elevate the interests of illegal migrants over the British people we are elected to serve.
"We have to use alternative accommodation options, as our European neighbours are doing - including the use of barges and ferries to save the British taxpayer money and to prevent the UK becoming a magnet for asylum shoppers in Europe.
The Home Office hasn't confirmed the cost of the lease agreement for the vessel.
They've said 'basic and functional accommodation' and 24/7 security will be provided on site.
In a statement, Portland Port's Chief Executive, Bill Reeves said:
“We welcome this investment in the port and local economy. We will be working closely with the Home Office to maximise the benefits and business opportunities while minimising any impact on public services.
“We understand local concerns and, as the port operator and a local business, have a vested interest of our own in the safe and secure use of the vessel.
“We are insisting that no economic migrants, criminals or under 18s are included in the population on board under a robust screening process.
“We are keen to ensure that only those people considered suitable and most deserving after passing strict checks are able to reside at Portland.
“We are keen to play our part in the national effort to house some of the thousands of people needing accommodation.
“Some of the asylum seekers coming to Portland Port may be from war-torn countries where they have seen their communities destroyed, friends and family killed or have been in danger of losing their own lives.
“Many are traumatised but decent people who deserve a safe haven, and a welcome worthy of the warmth and decency of local people.
“Although they won’t be able to work, we hope that some of the asylum seekers will be able to volunteer and make a contribution to the local area too.
“We encourage everyone in the community to approach this with an open mind and help us show other areas just how successful this type of initiative can be, both for the asylum seekers and the local community.
“We will endeavour to keep everyone updated throughout this process.”
Huge criticism for the plans
Dorset Council has already raised its concerns about the plan, and has released a statement:
"We are aware of the Home Secretary's announcement this afternoon, confirming that the Home Office wishes to proceed with its plans to house asylum seekers in floating accommodation at Portland Port.
"Dorset Council's position has not changed. We still have serious reservations about the appropriateness of Portland Port in this scenario and we remain opposed to the proposals.
"However, the council will continue to support and acknowledge the concerns of our residents and local businesses.
"There are a number of questions which the Home Secretary's announcement does not address, we will continue to press the Home Office for answers and await further information."
South Dorset MP Richard Drax has threatened legal action, warning the barge would increase the pressure on local services.
Portland Town Councillor Jim Draper has described the plans as 'completely unnecessary':
"The money (the Government's) spending on the project could be better spent employing a few more officers in the Home Office, where they could easily process the backlog.
"We're short of labour in so many areas - a lot of these refugees are skilled people who could be doing all sorts of jobs, instead of sticking them on a barge in Portland Harbour."
Campaigners who work with refugees have voiced their worries about the plans too - Mike Brown has been supporting them in the South of England for many years.
He's compared the barge to a 'prison ship':
"It's just awful, it's like a prison colony. Being on a hulk moored in Portland Harbour is just beyond shocking.
"Asylum accommodation was always pretty poor, and financial support always well below the poverty line, and that was deliberate, but this is just terrible."
We're told the barge will only house male asylum seekers and will its own health services on board to try and limit the impact on local services.