A controversial barge for 500 asylum seekers today arrived at its mooring off the Dorset coast.
The Netherlands-registered Bibby Stockholm barge - the first vessel to be used for asylum purposes as home secretary Suella Braverman tries to reduce the soaring cost of managing record numbers of applicants making the illegal English Channel crossing - was positioned off the coast of Portland.
But protesters and councillors are concerned that moving 500 male asylum seekers will place a heavy burden on public services and have called on local leaders to try to prevent use of the barge.
Other protesters oppose the Home Office’s use of floating asylum accommodation on the grounds that the 220-bedroom barge has been earmarked for 500 asylum seekers, sparking fears conditions will be cramped and oppressive.
To continue reading visit The MJ (£).
