Bibby Stockholm barge to 'start taking migrants next week' after 'fire safety concerns'
1 August 2023, 20:27
The Bibby Stockholm barge is set to take migrants on board from next week, after a lengthy delay over health and safety concerns.
The controversial migrant barge had been set to accept its first 50 asylum seekers on Tuesday, but the local fire service has not yet given it its stamp of approval amid safety concerns.
More than 500 migrants are expected to be house on the Bibby Stockholm, more than double its 222-person capacity. There will also be 40 additional staff members on board.
Migrants could now be moved onto the barge from next week, Sky News reported.
The local Portland council "doesn't want new services beginning on a Thursday or Friday," according to the report.
Read more: Asylum barge start delayed again as Bibby Stockholm needs more work to prevent fire risk
Rishi Sunak said earlier that the Bibby Stockholm was going through a series of checks before the migrants came aboard.
Speaking to broadcasters on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said: "All migrant accommodation has to go through a series of checks and inspections to make sure it complies with regulation, that's what's happening in this case.
"But let's take a step back, this is ultimately about fairness. I don't think it's fair that British taxpayers are forking out six million quid a day to house illegal migrants in hotels - I want to put an end to that."
The barge's layout, which comprises 222 cabins of long, narrow corridors over three decks, has sparked serious safety concerns. There are two primary exits on board.
A source told The Times that a fire safety check carried out last week sparked safety concerns, while another source described the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service as "very critical on a number of safety issues".
A Home Office spokesman said: "The Bibby Stockholm is undergoing final preparations to ensure it complies with all appropriate regulations before the arrival of the first asylum seekers.
"The Home Office is working with stakeholders on a carefully structured plan to increase the number of asylum seekers at Wethersfield."
Fire safety manager Graham Kewley added: "We have provided advice and comment in relation to fire safety arrangements to both the Home Office and the vessels operators during our familiarisation and pre-occupation visits.
"The fire risk assessment is the appropriate mechanism for determining the planning, organisation, management and control of fire safety measures, and responsibility rests with CTM (Corporate Travel Management) and Landry & Kling as the vessel operator - under their contract with the Home Office - to produce and keep this document under review.
"We do not conduct fire risk assessments or provide an approval process prior to occupation of a premises but will exercise our enforcement powers (either formal or informal) to address any significant areas of non-compliance where necessary.
"It would be inappropriate for DWFRS to provide further detail on the specific systems and emergency plans in place, as these could impact upon the safety of the vessel and/or its occupants. This aligns with our approach to any other commercial or residential premises."
The barge is one of a number of accommodation sites that will be used to house migrants in a bid reduce the cost of housing them in hotels.
Other sites include RAF Scrampton, a former Dambusters headquarters bassed in Lincolnshire, where plans to move people in have been delayed until October.
Landry and Kling, the company that manages the barge, told the publication there are no plans to carry out fire drills as migrants may have faced "traumatic situations" on their way to the UK.
The evacuation point for migrants on board has been described as "completely inadequate", with warnings there could be a "Hillsborough-type crush".
It is now understood plans to house migrants on the barge from tomorrow face being delayed amid the fire safety concerns.
Protests take place in Dorset over Bibby Stockholm
The 93-metre long barge arrived at the docks in Dorset earlier in July after completing its final journey from Falmouth to Portland.
Ahead of its arrival, the government described the divisive new home for migrants as “basic and functional accommodation” and designed to “minimise the need to leave”.Upon entrance, the barge has a reception and a security check-in.
The barge has 222 bedrooms. One bedroom offers a single-sized bunk bed, a desk with a chair, a small screen TV, a wardrobe and large window overlooking the rest of the dock.
Inside the bedroom is also an en-suite wet room, with a toilet, sink and mirror.
