The BBY Stockholm was introduced at Portland Port to house asylum seekers amid a turbulent political climate. Upon its arrival on July 18, 2023, it was geared to accommodate individuals seeking refuge in the UK. However, just days after the first group was onboard, an outbreak of Legionella bacteria caused a significant pause in operations, leading to empty berths for over two months. This tumultuous journey served as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding the UK asylum policy.
While housed on the BBY Stockholm, asylum seekers faced conditions that many described as akin to imprisonment. Omar from Yemen shared his feelings about the experience, expressing his dismay at being labeled a criminal simply for seeking refuge. The situation escalated to tragic levels in December when a resident's death raised pressing questions about the mental well-being and safety of asylum seekers aboard the vessel. This incident prompted protests and local outcry over how asylum seekers were treated.
As the BBY Stockholm sails out for good, many asylum seekers are left in limbo. Current estimates indicate tens of thousands are still housed in temporary accommodations, sparking debates around reforming the UK’s asylum system. Local activists commend the barge's closure but call for a more comprehensive plan to ensure asylum seekers are treated with dignity. The Home Office is under scrutiny to deliver on promises of a swift and fair asylum system as pressures mount with new arrivals continuing their perilous journeys across dangerous waters.
The BBY Stockholm, a controversial barge that housed asylum seekers, has officially shut down after housing individuals for nearly six months. This closure marks a pivotal moment for many asylum seekers, including those like Omar from Yemen, who faced severe conditions while onboard. Omar expressed relief that no new individuals would endure the hardships that he and others faced while confined to the ship, stating, "I tell them, yeah I’ve been in the BBY Stockholm. It felt like prison." The BBY Stockholm arrived at Portland Port in July 2023 with much fanfare. However, the journey was marred by incidents, including an outbreak of Legionella that led to the removal of the first group of asylum seekers after only four days. Despite the government’s intentions to provide shelter, the conditions onboard were criticized for being deteriorative, culminating in a tragic incident in December when an Albanian asylum seeker was found dead. Activists and local residents had been protesting against the barge for months, arguing it represented a failed asylum policy. With the barge's closure, there remains a pressing question regarding the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK. Many are now living in temporary accommodations, including hotels, while debate continues over proper asylum management. Local activists laud the closure but emphasize the need for immediate and comprehensive reform of the asylum system. The Home Office assures that it is dedicated to revamping the asylum policies to ensure they are executed fairly and efficiently. Nevertheless, the influx of migrants still poses a significant challenge as reports reveal more are attempting the perilous journey across the Channel.No worse than living on a sixties’ council block estate in the Gorbals/Walworth (London). What do they expect? A three bedroomed semi in North London?
I’ve lived on one of those accommodation barges. I’ve also lived in some of the countries that the illegals come from and seen how they live. The barge has the better living conditions.
Yeah, because when I turn up in someone elses country with no paperwork or money or identification. I expect to be treated better than the people of that country.
How is it controversial? It was fine for British workers but somehow unacceptable for foreign criminals 🤷♂️
Im sure the native homeless or those fleeing imported sectarian conflict in british cities would appreciate something like that..... Why no mention of the 7 who were arrested for sexual offences that lived comfortably on the ship????
