Asylum seekers might be moved on to the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge subsequent week, Sky News understands.
The vessel, which is presently docked in Portland on the coast of Dorset, was supposed to start out accepting arrivals final week, however was pushed again.
Sky News reported that the primary individuals would then transfer on to the barge on Tuesday this week – however that additionally was held up after final minute conferences have been held responding to fireplace security issues.
A authorities supply stated the primary arrivals may now come “next week”, because the native council in Portland “doesn’t want new services beginning on a Thursday or Friday”.
The supply stated the delay was as a result of “working practices for port workers have to be signed off for the health and safety executive” – and never as a result of there have been “fire safety issues”, as had been reported.
Transport minister Richard Holden instructed Sky News this morning that the barge was going via its “final checks” however wouldn’t affirm if it was security fears inflicting the maintain up.
However, he added: “It is right that whatever accommodation we provide is safe and secure as well.
“I am unable to put a timeline on it… the checks are going to take so long as they’ll take. It is necessary we get these items proper.”
Labour’s shadow justice secretary Steve Reed said the latest delay showed the Conservatives were “failing in completely each single means” in coping with the variety of asylum instances coming via the system.
“The hotels are absolutely chock-full of asylum seekers because [the government] are failing to process these cases,” he instructed Sky News.
“The Rwanda scheme is just never going to work – it’s just a gimmick to grab the headlines rather than deal with the problem. And now we’re seeing the same problem with the barge as well.”
The 222-bedroom Bibby Stockholm will begin housing 50 single males initially earlier than housing as much as 500 people who find themselves presently staying in inns.
Protesters in Portland in Dorset after the Bibby Stockholm lodging barge arrived from dry dock in Falmouth, Cornwall
The barge could 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.
The vessel has attracted a backlash from Tory MPs, together with Richard Drax, who represents South Dorset, and Chris Loder, for West Dorset, who has demanded to see security stories and claimed it’s going to home double the quantity of individuals it’s designed to carry.
Ben Selby, the assistant common secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, criticised what he referred to as “a reckless approach to the safety and well-being of both vulnerable refugees and firefighters” after the fireplace security issues have been raised.
“The Home Office has declared that this plan is a cheaper option for housing asylum seekers,” he stated.
“This is a damning indictment of the prevailing attitude that saving money is the highest priority, with people’s lives treated as collateral damage.
“Everyone has the proper to reside in protected lodging and we again the calls urging these plans are deserted instantly.”
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What is it like onboard the Bibby Stockholm?
Asked concerning the hearth security concern at present, Rishi Sunak stated: “All migrant accommodation has to go through a series of checks and inspections to make sure it complies with regulations.
“That’s what’s taking place on this case.
“This is ultimately about fairness. I don’t think it’s fair that British taxpayers are forking out £6m a day to house illegal migrants in hotels.
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“I wish to put an finish to that – and that is why we’re passing new legal guidelines.”
Mr Sunak said the Illegal Migration Act – which became law late last month – was the “proper, truthful and compassionate” thing to do.
It will mean that anyone arriving in the UK illegally will be ineligible to claim asylum.
It will also place on the home secretary a duty to remove illegal immigrants to their home country or a safe third country such as Rwanda – a coverage that’s presently held up within the courts.
Meanwhile, migrants who arrive within the UK illegally shall be banned from returning sooner or later and also will restrict the authorized routes for enchantment towards a elimination order.
Content Source: information.sky.com