Government’s £6m Cruise Ship Plan Sinks as Ports Shut Doors
Two giant cruise ships, each meant to house up to 1,000 asylum seekers, have been forced to turn back after failing to secure docking spots. A senior insider revealed the embarrassing setback, with the vessels returned to their owners without a single passenger onboard.
Attempt to Slash Hotel Bills Flops
The government aimed to slash its eye-watering £6 million daily spend on hotel rooms for Channel asylum seekers by snapping up two extra cruise ships, adding to the Bibby Stockholm barge recently docked in Dorset. But both cruise liners were left stranded after port authorities in Liverpool and near Edinburgh refused to host them.
- One ship was blocked from docking near Liverpool after port operators said no.
- A second vessel faced a similar fate near Edinburgh.
- Details on the cost to acquire these ships remain under wraps.
Home Office Mum on Costs, Pushes Barges Instead
The Home Office declined to comment on the commercial deals, stressing only that other accommodation options – like barges – are being explored to better protect taxpayers’ pennies. They highlighted Europe’s lead in managing asylum seekers aboard barges as a model the UK hopes to follow.
“We’re looking for alternatives to hotels that offer better value,” a spokesperson said.
Sunak Hails ‘Boats Blocked’ as Bibby Bar Gets Ready
Chancellor Rishi Sunak claimed Channel crossings have dropped by 20% year-on-year, insisting government action is hitting the target. He suggested floating accommodation could ease pressure on local towns and communities.
The Bibby Stockholm barge, after a month’s delay, is finally poised to start housing asylum seekers in Dorset.
Yet the government keeps tight-lipped on the identity of the other two cruise vessels and their owners, leaving questions about the full cost and scope of this maritime immigration gamble.
