Nearly thirty asylum seekers in the United Kingdom have returned this Thursday to the barge Bibby Stockholm, once described by human rights groups as a floating prison. Earlier reports noted that a legionella bacteria issue led to an evacuation in mid-August. Health and safety checks have since been completed, and a Home Office spokesperson confirmed that all tests, including health, fire, and water assessments, were satisfactory.
The first arrivals were welcomed at the Port of Portland in the south by a group of protesters urging the government to halt its plans and ensure the welfare of refugees. Despite the demonstrations, officials said transfers would continue until the barge reaches its maximum capacity of 512 people. The ministry described a gradual, phased increase in occupancy as more refugees arrived in the coming days and months. Local press has also anticipated additional arrivals in the near term.
Cost reducing
The barge project is part of a broader strategy to cut expenses. Housing refugees in hotels and hostels was reporting costs that exceeded seven million euros per day. Refugees were reminded that they could choose to board the vessel, and those who refuse to participate risk losing certain financial supports. Many refugees expressed fears about life on the barge, citing psychological impacts from their journey. Others pointed to reported incidents at the facility, whose initial capacity had been doubled to accommodate more people. Concerns were raised about potential consequences as the operation expanded.
Critics, including human rights organizations and local governments, argued that the plan could adversely affect both refugees and the surrounding community. Portland’s mayor pursued legal action to halt the process, arguing that the barge did not comply with planning regulations or environmental impact assessments. While some refugees pursued individual legal challenges, those cases were dismissed by the courts.
Essential services
The government contends that using barges to house migrants remains lawful and asserts that all residents will receive essential services onboard, including medical care, internet access, fitness facilities, and language classes. Transportation support is provided by a shuttle service to nearby towns, and councils receive financial support for each person accommodated on the barge.
Advocacy groups for refugees remain critical of the limited living space anticipated at full capacity, noting that rooms may be shared by up to three or four people. Some observers described the approach as deliberately austere to discourage asylum claims. Officials emphasize that the aim is to reduce costs quickly while maintaining basic services and safety provisions.
Controversial policies
Minister Suella Braverman has faced scrutiny for her stance on immigration, drawing attention to her family history and her push for stricter policies. She has publicly framed the political moment as one of significant change. Beyond cost reductions in housing refugees, the government has signaled intentions to pursue deportation procedures more aggressively, with potential actions involving Rwanda as part of a broader strategy. The issue remains under consideration by the courts as legal challenges continue to unfold, with several decisions expected in the coming weeks. (Attribution: Home Office briefings; parliamentary statements)