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Labour to Shut Down Bibby Stockholm Barge Housing 400 Migrants by January 2025, Saving £20 Million

Jul 23, 2024, 12:42 PM

The UK Labour government has announced that it will not renew the contract for the Bibby Stockholm barge, which has been used to house asylum seekers. The barge will cease operations by the end of January 2025. This decision is part of Labour's broader overhaul of the asylum system. The Home Office has stated that the barge, which currently houses 400 migrants, will no longer be needed as the asylum backlog is cleared. The Bibby Stockholm has been criticized for its inadequate facilities and prison-like conditions. The decision has been welcomed by various refugee advocacy groups, who argue that asylum seekers should be housed in communities rather than isolated facilities. The Home Office noted that it would have cost £20 million to extend the contract for another year, and the barge has already cost millions.