The Bibby Stockholm, a barge used to accommodate asylum seekers, will be shut down in January 2025, as announced by the Home Office. The decision is part of an effort to save £7.7 billion in asylum costs over the next decade. The vessel, which currently houses 400 migrants in Dorset, had become a flagship element of the last government’s approach to migration. The decision to close the barge follows a series of controversies, including an outbreak of legionella and the tragic death of an asylum seeker in a suspected suicide.
The Home Office stated that extending the contract for the Bibby Stockholm would cost over £20 million in the next year. Minister Angela Eagle emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring order to the asylum system, enforcing rules fairly, and clearing the backlog of asylum claims. The closure of the barge is part of a broader strategy to make savings on accommodation costs for asylum seekers, which have been a significant burden on taxpayers.
In related news, other migrant accommodation sites, including RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and RAF Wethersfield in Essex, are also expected to be closed down. These closures are part of the government’s efforts to address issues in the asylum system and improve efficiency in processing claims. The decision to close the Bibby Stockholm and other sites reflects the government’s goal of reforming the asylum process and reducing the financial impact on taxpayers.
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