Rishi Sunak confirmed yesterday that the government has acquired two more giant barges to house about 1,000 people seeking refuge in the UK. It is understood that these are expected to be moored in Teesport, near Middlesbrough, and in docks near Liverpool.
But sources have said that discussions over the acquisition of further barges and disused cruise ships are taking place. The development comes as ministers prepare for a new wave of people arriving in small boats seeking asylum this summer amid objections from local residents and legal action over plans to house people on disused military bases.
Conservative MPs and refugee charities have questioned whether the vessels will provide humane living conditions for people escaping war, famine and torture. Opposition MPs have said that the plans are a calculated diversion from the government's failure to reduce the backlog of asylum claims.
Speaking at Dover, the prime minister said he would wait to announce where the new barges would be located as there would be "extensive engagement" with local communities. He said another ship planned for 500 asylum seekers, which the government acquired in May, will arrive in Portland off the coast of Dorset within the next two weeks.
This story is from the June 06, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the June 06, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
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