Plymouth ‘unsuitable’ location for barge housing asylum seekers

Answers are being sought on whether Plymouth has been looked at as a potential site for a giant vessel housing asylum seekers. The Guardian newspaper has reported Britain’s Ocean City is a potential home for a barge and was among several south coast locations that had been looked at by the Home Office.

PlymouthLive this morning asked the Home Office for clarification and was told it wouldn’t comment on “speculation”. But Plymouth City Council said it has been told by civil servants that while the Home Office is “considering all UK possibilities” there is “no active consideration” of the city.

Labour MP Luke Pollard said he spoke to council leader Tudor Evans and chief executive Tracey Lee about The Guardian’s claim and said: “They’ve confirmed Plymouth is not under consideration currently for a barge for asylum seekers.”

However, he has also tweeted that he is seeking clarification from the Home Office on its plans. PlymouthLive was told by a Home Office spokesperson: “I’m afraid we wouldn’t comment on speculation regarding Plymouth so we won’t be providing any statement.”

Mr Pollard, MP for Sutton and Devonport, said that while the city welcomes refugees, it would be unsuitable as a location for a large barge to house them. The issue has been controversial since the Bibby Stockholm barge arrived in Falmouth, Cornwall, last month for assessment and refurbishment before being moved to Portland Port in Dorset to house 500 people.

Mr Pollard said: “Plymouth welcomes refugees all year round but we are an entirely unsuitable location for a barge of this size. I am seeking clarification from the Home Office on their plans.”

He added: “Ministers should be clearing the backlog in processing asylum cases so they don’t need to use hotels or this additional contingency accommodation. Barges are a sign of a broken asylum system and the Conservatives broke it.”