The last of the asylum seekers have left the Bibby Stockholm barge, which had faced criticism since its introduction in 2023.
Eight men departed on November 26, following ten others who left the day before. This move comes after around 300 asylum seekers were relocated to other housing across England and Wales last month.
The barge, moored in Dorset, was part of the UK government’s plan to provide “long-term temporary accommodation” for asylum seekers. The Labour government announced that the contract with the barge’s owners will end in January 2025 due to high costs, with local Labour MP Lloyd Hatton calling its closure a victory.
Some asylum seekers welcomed the move, describing the accommodation as prison-like, while migrant support groups, including RAMFEL, criticized its operation. Conservative former home secretary Suella Braverman argued that its closure would only increase the use of hotels to house migrants.
With over 86,000 asylum cases still pending, the closure of the barge will not significantly ease the housing issue. The Bibby Stockholm had faced numerous problems, including health concerns, a fire and the tragic death of an asylum seeker in December 2023.
The UK government continues to seek solutions for the housing of asylum seekers, with ongoing criticism of conditions at facilities like Wethersfield in Essex.
