Arrival of first asylum seekers on Bibby Stockholm barge delayed

The arrival of the primary asylum seekers on the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge has been delayed till subsequent week on the earliest, Sky News understands.

The vessel, which has been opposed by the native MP and residents, arrived in Portland on the coast of Dorset final week.

In a tweet on 18 July saying its arrival, the Home Office mentioned: “Next week the first asylum seekers will be moved to the vessel as part of a carefully structured plan which will increase the numbers gradually.”

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However, it’s understood extra work is required to make the vessel able to accommodate the primary arrivals.

The 222 bed room barge will begin housing the primary 50 single males subsequent week on the earliest.

It is is anticipated to finally home 500 people who find themselves presently staying in inns.

The authorities has been in search of out new lodging for asylum seekers, together with those that cross the Channel in small boats, claiming the lodge invoice to accommodate them has hit £6m a day.

As nicely because the barge, it has taken over former army bases, and studies have even instructed massive marquees might be used.

But ministers have confronted a backlash from native residents, councils and MPs if their areas have been chosen for the brand new websites.

Regarding the Bibby Stockholm, considerations have been raised about security and the impression of the arrival of lots of of asylum seekers on native providers like healthcare.

Charities have branded the plan “cruel” and claimed refugees will probably be topic to “detention-like” situations.

However, the Home Office has denied the barge is sort of a “floating prison” and mentioned the individuals on board can be “free to come and go as they want”.

The Bibby Stockholm can have 24-hour safety and accommodate single males solely, who will sleep in bunk beds with between two and 6 individuals per en-suite room.

A canteen, fitness center, classroom, train yards, tv room and area for worship are among the many “basic” amenities on board.

A nurse can even be stationed on the barge 5 days per week, with asylum seekers getting access to a health care provider if wanted.