A barge owned by Liverpool-based company Bibby Marine has docked in Cornwall to undergo renovations to house 500 single adult male asylum seekers.
The Bibby Stockholm was towed from Italy and will be moved to Portland in Dorset to accommodate the asylum seekers while their claims are processed.
The barge includes a gym, games room, restaurant, and Wi-Fi throughout the ship. There will also be 24/7 security on board to minimize disruption to local communities.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the barge would save taxpayers’ money, while the Home Office said the vessel will offer "basic and functional accommodation, healthcare provision, catering facilities, and 24/7 security."
The accommodation has been criticized by charities and human rights campaigners, who say it is not fit for people fleeing war. Photo by pl:Wikipedysta:MaciejKa, Wikimedia commons.