Bibby Stockholm: Outrage over claim migrants 'prefer barge to hotels'

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

Migrants housed on a barge in Dorset "prefer" living there compared to staying in hotels, according to the Home Office and its partner agencies.

The comment was made by the Multi Agency Forum which supports the running of the Bibby Stockholm in Portland.

But volunteers in contact with the men on board called the claim "outrageous" and said the barge was "prison-like", with not enough food and no activities.

The forum said the complaints "do not tally with reports we have heard".

Protesters from the group Stand Up To Racism Dorset gathered outside the gates for Portland Port on Thursday

The Multi Agency Forum (MAF) is made up of the Home Office, Dorset Council, Portland and Weymouth's town councils, emergency and health services, and barge operators Landry & Kling and CTM.

In a joint update, it said: "It is increasingly clear from the feedback we are receiving from councillors and others spending time with them, that [the asylum seekers]... prefer life on the barge compared to hotels."

BBC contacted the three councils as well as Portland's 14 town councillors and Dorset Council's ward councillors for Portland, but none of those who responded knew the source of the feedback.

Town councillor Giovanna Lewis, who regularly speaks to the men, said: "I spoke to one guy a couple of weeks ago who was shell-shocked and said it was like a prison.

"But they have come from different places so they will have different comparisons."

Bunk beds have been installed in the cabins to fit in more people

Ms Lewis is also a member of Portland Global Friendship Group (PGFG), which has no funding but has been organising walks and collecting clothes for the men.

Group coordinator Hilary, who did not want to give her surname, said the claims were "outrageous".

"It's a very frightening environment. It's prison-like. Their bags are searched every time they go in and out, even for a cigarette," she said.

"There is not enough food. They are not even allowed to take food on with them. There's no sports or recreation. It's a disgrace."

Responding to the criticism, a MAF spokesperson said: "We do not recognise these claims and they do not tally with reports we have heard from those working closest with the residents of the barge.

"Those living on board... have made clear that life is more positive than in previous accommodation."

The spokesperson said there was sufficient food, and that security searches had been requested by Dorset Police.

'Deterrents'

The vessel, which has capacity for up to 500 men awaiting the outcome of asylum applications, was evacuated in August after Legionella bacteria was found in the water supply.

The Home Office began moving people back in October amid protests at the port gates.

One asylum seeker, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke to the BBC ahead of his return to the vessel.

He said: "It's like a prison. It is difficult for all of us and many have said they don't want to go back."

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick previously said housing migrants on vessels was part of efforts to "suffuse the entire system with deterrents".

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].