Fire safety concerns delay arrival of first asylum seekers on Bibby Stockholm barge
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Asylum seekers will not be moved on to the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge on Tuesday as planned after last minute meetings responding to fire safety concerns, Sky News understands.
However, there is still a possibility that they could be moved on to the barge – which is currently docked in Portland on the coast of Dorset – later this week.
A Home Office spokesperson said the vessel is “undergoing final preparations to ensure it complies with all appropriate regulations before the arrival of the first asylum seekers”.
“This is part of the government’s plan to reduce the use of expensive hotels and offer alternative accommodation that is more manageable and better value for communities, just like our European neighbours are already doing,” they added.
“We continue to work closely with Dorset and Portland councils, as well as the local NHS and police services, to manage any impact in Portland, including providing substantial funding to local services, to address the local community’s concerns.”
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