On Monday 7 August the first migrants were moved to the Bibby Stockholm barge amid concerns about the barges’ suitability and safety.
Up to 500 men aged 18-65 will be housed on the barge while they await the outcome of their asylum application.
The floating accommodation block was docked off the Dorset coast nearly three weeks ago and has so far been empty due to health and safety concerns.
The vessel has been previously used to home oil and gas workers, but campaigners are concerned about the increased capacity of the vessel, which used to be 222, which has more than doubled to 500, with bunks being used in most cabins.
But there has been considerable local opposition to the plan due to concerns about the asylum seekers’ welfare and the potential impact on local services.
More than 40 organisations and campaigners have called the plans ‘cruel and inhumane’ in an open letter to the barge owners.
The Homeland Party believes that the local opposition is probably more concerned with the safety of local people, with up to 500 men being dumped on their doorstep, or shoreline in this case.
These 40 organisations will be the usual nationwide gaggle of open borders supporters and unions using workers’ funds to cheer on potential cheap foreign labour.
Interestingly, the Labour Party, the party most of the above campaigners support, haven’t been their usual bullish self on this matter.
Speaking to the BBC, shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said that barges would continue to be used by a Labour government if his party won the next general election.
His colleague shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper had also indicated she could not immediately shut down the sites but declined to be explicit about the policy.
Words of caution from two leading party members readying themselves for power. They know as well as we do that they’ll be just as incompetent as the Tories at tackling immigration, not that either wants to.
Amid this crisis, much attention has been given to the significance of morality and heightened aid. Yet, it is crucial to acknowledge that the mistreatment of homeless individuals enduring severe British winters and harassment from law enforcement has not been adequately addressed by these same organisations.
It is imperative to acknowledge that those who express concern for the welfare of others may not necessarily have genuine empathy at heart. Specific individuals are driven by an internationalist ideology that upholds the principles of tolerance and inclusivity as absolute truths. However, this outlook does not necessarily signify a humane perspective but a commitment to progressive policies intended to shape our society.
