Bibby Stockholm: Food brought on barge ahead of migrants returning

The migrants were removed from the barge after Legionella bacteria was found in the on-board water system

Food supplies have been brought aboard a migrant accommodation barge ahead of the expected return of its residents.

The Bibby Stockholm, moored off Portland in Dorset, was evacuated in August after Legionella bacteria was found in the water supply.

The Home Office said all necessary tests have been completed on the floating vessel.

Letters have been sent to asylum seekers confirming their re-embarkation in the coming days.

A supply van was seen arriving earlier with food including fresh vegetables and being being taken on board.

There has been considerable local opposition to the barge coming to Portland

The move comes after local councillor Carralyn Parkes lost a High Court fight with Home Secretary Suella Braverman over the lawfulness of housing asylum seekers on the barge.

Mrs Parkes argued housing asylum seekers on the barge was a "breach of planning control" and said there had not been "compliance" with environmental impact assessment duties.

She also argued Mrs Braverman had not complied with duties under the 2010 Equality Act.

Lawyers representing Mrs Braverman argued Mrs Parkes's claim was "out of time", "without merit", and the judge should refuse to give permission for the challenge to proceed to a trial.

Mr Justice Holgate ruled in the government's favour, saying Mrs Parkes did not have an arguable case.

A Home Office spokesperson previously said: "The Home Office has started to send letters to asylum seekers to confirm the re-embarkation of the Bibby Stockholm and notify them that they will be accommodated on board, following the vessel completing all necessary tests.

"The letters confirm the next steps for asylum seekers and reiterate that all asylum accommodation continues to be offered on a no-choice basis."

The government said delivering "alternative accommodation sites" like the Bibby Stockholm was more affordable for taxpayers than placing migrants in hotels.

A spokesperson said the vessel would be "more manageable for communities, due to healthcare and catering facilities on site, 24/7 security and the purpose-built safe accommodation they provide."

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