The Labour government has said they stop using the Bibby Stockholm which became the physical symbol for “the last Government’s inhumane treatment of people seeking sanctuary.”
As part of the government’s overhaul of the asylum system the Bibby Stockholm barge will not have its contract renewed after January 2025.
The Home Office have said that by not using the Bibby Stockholm will save more than £20 million in 2025 and over the next 10-years scrapping the migrant barge will save around £7.7 billion in asylum costs.
Dame Angela Eagle, minister for border security and asylum, said, “We are determined to restore order to the asylum system, so that it operates swiftly, firmly and fairly; and ensures the rules are properly enforced.
“The Home Secretary has set out plans to start clearing the asylum backlog and making savings on accommodation which is running up vast bills for the taxpayer.
“The Bibby Stockholm will continue to be in use until the contract expires in January 2025.”
Steve Smith, chief executive of refugee charity Care4Calais, said, “The Bibby Stockholm became the physical symbol for the last Government’s inhumane treatment of people seeking sanctuary in the UK.
“The despair and suffering the barge has caused will live long in the people who were residents of it. Nor will not renewing the contract bring back Leonard Farruku, whose family have lost their loved one forever.
“Whilst this is a sensible decision, at this very minute, we are in the High Court challenging the Government over the inhumanity being inflicted on over 500 men inside the Wethersfield camp. The current Government is choosing to fight this case when the solution should have been to end the suffering and close this camp too.”
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