A proposal to accommodate 500 migrants on a barge off the Dorset coast has sparked criticism from more than 40 organisations and campaigners, who have described the plans as “cruel and inhumane.” The Bibby Stockholm barge is set to dock in Portland, Dorset, where it will house men seeking asylum. In an open letter addressed to the barge owner, Bibby Marine, various groups including the Refugee Council expressed concerns about the “detention-like conditions” that the migrants would face.
Bibby Marine defended the accommodation, stating that the barge would be practical, safe, and comfortable. The three-story vessel, equipped with 222 rooms, is scheduled to arrive in Portland Harbour in early July as part of the government’s efforts to reduce the daily cost of accommodating migrants, which currently stands at £6 million.
The Home Office supported the initiative, highlighting that such accommodation would be more cost-effective and manageable for communities. However, 40 organizations and individuals, including Refugee Action, City of Sanctuary UK, and the Helen Bamber Foundation, signed the open letter, urging Bibby Marine to withdraw from the charter agreement.
The letter argued that confining individuals who have experienced traumatic events, especially on a floating vessel, is both cruel and inhumane. It emphasized that those to be housed on the barge are not criminals but individuals seeking protection in the UK. Despite not being officially designated as a prison or detention facility, the letter expressed concern that the conditions on the barge would resemble detention, with severe restrictions on freedom of movement.
Bibby Marine countered the criticisms, citing its experience in providing similar accommodation barges for military, industrial, and construction workers. The company asserted that the barge would offer a cost-effective, comfortable, and safe place for those staying on board.
The government stated that the individuals accommodated on the barge would be “non-detained” and not subject to a curfew, although they would need to comply with the port’s security standards. Efforts to engage the local voluntary sector to organize activities and support the well-being of those accommodated were also emphasized.
Last month, Dorset Council decided not to pursue a legal challenge against the barge plans, citing the unlikelihood of success and potentially high costs to taxpayers. However, the proposal has faced public opposition, with protesters staging a rally in May, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, previously calling for its delay.
