The UK Labour government will stop housing asylum seekers on a controversial accommodation barge, Bibby Stockholm, starting next year to clear a backlog of asylum requests.
The use of the vessel, introduced by the previous Conservative government, aimed to reduce costs of housing asylum seekers. However, the Home Office announced that the contract for the barge will end in January due to high costs.
The Bibby Stockholm has faced criticism as a symbol of the UK’s tough asylum policy, with concerns raised about inhumane living conditions. The new government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer is working to overhaul the asylum system, including ending the scheme to send asylum seekers to Rwanda and ensuring fair and swift processing of claims.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum Angela Eagle emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring order in the asylum system. Changes in the system are expected to save taxpayers £7 billion over the next 10 years, according to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.