Bibby Stockholm a floating prison or a barge for asylum seekers? England divided; here's what you need to know
Portland in south-west England has become a battleground of emotions and opinions as the UK government's plan to house 500 asylum seekers on a large barge in its harbour faces intense opposition from local residents. Perched atop the town, the imposing 93-meter-long Bibby Stockholm stands as a symbolic embodiment of the contentious proposal. With its 222 cabins, the barge is slated to accommodate up to 500 asylum seekers in the coming months. However, the plan hit a snag as the first arrivals, scheduled for Tuesday, were thwarted by a last-minute hitch. The concept of relocating asylum seekers to docked barges is not merely about cost-saving; it also aims to serve as a deterrent for illegal crossings.
A view of the canteen area onboard the Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge, which will house up to 500 asylum seekers, at Portland Port in Dorset, England, Friday, July 21, 2023. The barge Bibby Stockholm pulled into Portland harbor on Tuesday after the government's legislation finally overcame resistance in the House of Lords. The vessel and the bill are part of the Conservative Party's plan to deter migrants from making risky English Channel crossings. The bill is aimed at preventing people arriving illegally from claiming asylum in the U.K. (Andrew Matthews/Pool Photo via AP) Portland people are angryBut for the people of Portland, this idea is met with palpable hostility. Local residents express vehement opposition to the notion of a "floating prison" and voice concerns about the safety of their community. The debate has become divisive, drawing stark lines between those who fear potential risks and those who advocate for compassion and understanding towards asylum seekers. Heather, a 33-year-old resident actively
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