UK LABOUR GOVERNMENT TO END USE OF CONTROVERSIAL BIBBY STOCKHOLM BARGE

Thu 25 July 2024:

The United Kingdom’s new Labour government announced it will cease housing asylum seekers on the controversial Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge starting next year as part of its initiative to clear a backlog of asylum requests.

High Costs and Criticism of Inhumane Conditions

The Bibby Stockholm, which can house up to 500 people, was introduced under the Conservative government last year to reduce the cost of hotel accommodation for asylum seekers. The Home Office confirmed that the barge’s contract would not be renewed after January, as extending its use would cost over 20 million pounds ($26m) next year.

Symbol of Tough Asylum Policies

Anchored off Dorset, the vessel became a symbol of the UK’s stringent asylum policies under the Conservatives. Human rights campaigners criticized it as inhumane, likening it to a prison ship. One man died on board last year, and a water contamination issue temporarily halted its use.

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Labour Government’s Broader Reforms

The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is working to overhaul the UK’s asylum system. This includes resuming the processing of asylum claims for tens of thousands of migrants left in limbo under previous policies and scrapping the Conservative scheme to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.

“We are determined to restore order to the asylum system, so that it operates swiftly, firmly and fairly; and ensures the rules are properly enforced,” said Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that changes to the asylum system are projected to save taxpayers an estimated 7 billion pounds ($9bn) over the next decade.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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