Getty Images via Getty ImagesThe government has just confirmed its plan to house “illegal” asylum seekers on barges to save on hotel costs – and it’s already being condemned for effectively imprisoning vulnerable people. Dubbed Bibby Stockholm, it’s set to be located at Portland Port off the coast of Weymouth, and will operate for at least 18 months while the asylum seekers wait for their claims to be processed. Bibby Stockholm was previously used by the Dutch for asylum seekers and was criticised for its “oppressive environment” – but it’s since been refurbished. These sound a lot like 18th and 19th-century prison hulks… https://t.co/ZNhs7V458O — Prof Alice Roberts💙 (@theAliceRoberts) April 6, 2023This barge is a glorified prison vessel on water to ostracise asylum seekers and refugees. Instead they have decided to warehouse asylum seekers in an unsafe, nearly 50 year old, floating prison.

Source: The Guardian April 06, 2023 12:06 UTC