Bibby Stockholm: MPs ask to inspect barge conditions after death

The Home Office said the welfare of those on board was of the utmost importance

Six MPs have written to the Home Secretary asking to visit the Bibby Stockholm barge following the death of a man on board.

The man, who has not been named, is thought to have taken his own life on the vessel in Portland Port where hundreds of men are housed.

The six Labour politicians say there are "major safeguarding concerns" for those living on the vessel.

The Home Office said the welfare of the men was its "utmost priority".

The letter to Secretary of State James Cleverly was signed by Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson, Norwich South MP Clive Lewis, Sheffield Hallam MP Olivia Blake, Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome, Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle and Glasgow region MSP Paul Sweeny.

The MPs are asking for transparency and access to asylum accommodation

It calls for "full transparency and access to all places of asylum seeker accommodation" for MPs, press, legal and support groups.

The MPs said they were concerned that people who had escaped torture and persecution were "increasingly housed in isolated accommodation centres in conditions of quasi-detention with unsatisfactory hygiene, privacy, community and mental health support available to them".

It said the man's death, coupled with government plans to send migrants to Rwanda, had left many asylum seekers feeling increasingly "terrified and alone".

The letter said: "We fear that this may lead to an escalating mental health situation on the barge, with the potential for more people to feel driven to desperate acts.

"This is a major safeguarding concern for vulnerable people in the care of the state."

Hundreds of flowers and messages of condolence were left following the man's death

The death, which happened on Tuesday, is being investigated by the police and coroner.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "The health and welfare of asylum seekers remains the utmost priority and we work continually to ensure the needs and vulnerabilities of those residing on the vessel are identified and met.

"Each person's suitability will be assessed at regular intervals and if they are no longer suitable for any reason, they will be moved to alternative accommodation.

"The Migrant Help helpline is also available 24 hours a day to offer help, advice and guidance."

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