Portland migrant barge reaches UK port for inspection

The Bibby Stockholm barge has arrived at Falmouth Port where it will undergo an inspection before it makes its journey to Portland.

The barge was towed all the way to the UK by an Italian-flagged tugboat.

The Bibby Stockholm barge being towed into Falmouth (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "The Bibby Stockholm will be in Falmouth where it will go through a statutory inspection along with any necessary refurbishment and general maintenance ahead of its berthing in Portland in the coming weeks. It will not be used to house asylum seekers whilst in Falmouth.

Bibby Stockholm barge arriving in Falmouth (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

"The Home Office has been working closely with the local community in Falmouth and will continue to whilst the vessel is in the area."

The Bibby Stockholm barge in Cornwall (Image: Supplied)

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "The Bibby Stockholm is now in Falmouth where it will go through a statutory inspection along with any necessary refurbishment and general maintenance ahead of its berthing in Portland in the coming weeks. It will not be used to house asylum seekers whilst in Falmouth.

"The Home Office has been working closely with the local community in Falmouth and will continue to whilst the vessel is in the area.

"The Home Office is committed to making every effort to reduce hotel use and limit the burden on the taxpayer.

The barge will head to Portland next month following inspections (Image: Supplied)

"Our current asylum system is under extreme pressure and costing the country £3 billion a year and rising, including around £6 million a day on hotel accommodation.  

"The 51,000 figure includes all asylum seekers in temporary accommodation, including hotels as well as initial accommodation. 

"We continue to ensure the accommodation provided is safe, secure, leaves no one destitute and is appropriate for an individual’s needs."

Dorset police previously said they still have unanswered questions and are continuing to "seek clarity" about the plans from the Home Office.

David Sidwick, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I would like to reassure Dorset residents that Dorset Police have started the necessary and detailed planning required to ensure both asylum seekers and residents will be kept safe.

"Currently though, they also have detailed questions that need answering and that are necessary to ensure the safety of all concerned.

“I am determined that the funding should not come from the current police budget or from the people of Dorset and I will continue to push the government to fully fund the necessary security requirements brought about by the decision they have made to site this barge here in our county.”