'Should we cheer?': support for port arrivals

After weeks of local strife and national buildup, the sparsely filled coaches entering the Dorset port where the Bibby Stockholm is moored were a boost to pro-refugee demonstrators.

- Sammy Gecsoyler

"Should we cheer just in case?" asked Heather, a local campaigner and member of Stand Up to Racism Dorset as a fifth, seemingly empty, coach drove into the port.

About 50 refugee supporters were welcoming asylum seekers arriving at the Bibby Stockholm. "It was a really good mood. It just filled your heart that so many people came out to support them and that there are members of the community that do care and do welcome them," said Heather.

At about 4pm on Monday, demonstrators outside the port claimed that 15 asylum seekers were onboard the barge.

One local campaigner who was in contact with an asylum seeker on the barge said they had decided against seeking last-minute legal help after being advised that their asylum claim would be processed quicker if they went onboard.