The Home Office has declared that the contract for the Bibby Stockholm barge, currently housing asylum seekers off the coast of Dorset, will not be renewed beyond January 2025. This decision aligns with the Labour government’s commitment to “clear the backlog and fix the asylum system.”
The three-storey vessel, moored off Portland, has a capacity to accommodate up to 500 men aged 18-65. However, extending its use would have cost more than £20 million next year.
Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Parliament, emphasized the government’s dedication to improving the efficiency of the asylum system. “We aim to operate the asylum system swiftly, firmly, and fairly, ensuring that rules are properly enforced,” Eagle stated. “The Home Secretary has outlined plans to clear the asylum backlog and reduce accommodation costs, which are imposing significant expenses on the taxpayer.”
Ending the use of the Bibby Stockholm is part of a broader strategy expected to yield £7.7 billion in asylum-related savings over the next decade. The barge will continue to house migrants until the contract’s expiration in January 2025.
The decision has sparked public interest and activism, with campaigners opposing the barge holding protest marches. A notable demonstration featured dozens of people marching with a large banner that read “No to the barge.”
As the Home Office moves forward with its plans, the focus remains on reforming the asylum process to ensure fairness and fiscal responsibility.