Bringing Bibby Stockholm barge to Dorset ‘a political stunt’

The Home Office has announced that the government will end the use of the Bibby Stockholm barge for housing migrants as part of as part of new plans to clear the backlog of asylum applications. 

There's been an overwhelming sense of relief shared across different groups including Portland Global Friendship Group - a group which recently organised a protest outside the port gates over "lengthy delays" in processing asylum seeker claims.

READ MORE: Asylum seekers hold protest at Portland barge

A spokesperson from Portland Global Friendship Group said: "We are delighted the Bibby contract is not to be extended beyond January 2025. We, and many of the men, wish it was sooner. 

Protestors gathered outside the gates to Portland Port to call for the closure of the Bibby Stockholm barge (Image: Tom Lawrence)

"There have been many messages of celebration on our WhatsApp chats. The Bibby has always been a big 'con', nothing more than a financial disaster and an inhumane divisive political stunt by the last government. 

"Let's hope Bibby numbers will reduce to something more bearable in the next six months, that all asylum claims will be speeded up and this wonderful resource of men can contribute to our society and build their own lives soon."

Cllr Carralyn Parkes, former mayor of Portland, previously challenged Dorset Council’s decision in July 2023 as an independent citizen not to consider using enforcement powers over the barge housing asylum seekers, which is moored in Portland Harbour.

READ MORE: Portland Mayor's barge legal challenge raises over £15,000

While she describes it as "good news", she shares how it should be closed immediately due to the overcrowded nature on the barge.

She said: "It's really good news that the contract has not been renewed. I'm disappointed however that it is still going to be in use for six months. Ideally, it should close immediately as in my opinion, the barge is overcrowded."

"I'm encouraged and pleased that it is finally going but I am disappointed. The most important thing to remember is that people are still on board the barge right now. I will expect there to be no more new arrivals and hopefully the barge will be phased out within the next six months."

Bibby Stockholm stock image (Image: James Manning/PA Wire)

Lynne Hubbard, co-chair of Stand Up To Racism Dorset, added: "I wish it was tomorrow, but I am delighted that there is an end date, and it can't come soon enough. 

"It is a shame that it has not come sooner, but it is to be welcomed and I'm sure it must feel like a sigh of relief to the men on the barge. 

"On top of this, there is the end to the Rwanda policy which has been a really positive change."

Cllr Sandy West describes Portland as a "welcoming community" however admits that the area wasn't the right place for "such a big influx of people."

She said: “I’m glad because it wasn’t the right place for somewhere like the Bibby. We’re only a small island, there’s about 13,500 of us and it didn’t seem logical to me to have it where it was. 

“It is difficult because I feel sorry for genuine asylum seekers. The ones I’ve met have been really nice, one was a doctor and another was a bio scientist. It’s a difficult thing because you want to help people and it must be horrible to have to flee. 

“I’ve got no problem people coming here who worked with our government. But we haven’t got enough houses for our own young people and not got the infrastructure. It’s just not the right place for a big influx of people.

"I find it a bit of a relief that it won’t be here any longer, there’s a lot of attention on Portland because of it and it’s not always the right kind. As a tax payer and representing tax payers, I’m glad to see it gone."