Langham Industries, a family-owned firm that donated over £70,000 to UKIP, is facing criticism for hosting the controversial migrant barge on their property, Portland Port. The deal, estimated to be worth around £2.5 million, allows the Home Office to use the Bibby Stockholm to house migrants for an 18-month period.
The Langham family, who own luxurious properties and have connections to prominent politicians, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, has a history of supporting UKIP, with 19 donations made to the pro-Brexit party between 2003 and 2016. The late founder of the company, John Langham, was described as an “avid supporter” of UKIP.
Despite the Langham family’s wealth and political ties, they are now set to profit from the contract with the Home Office. However, this move has drawn strong criticism from locals and campaigners who view it as “profiteering from misery.” The conditions on the barge have been described as “prison-like,” and concerns have been raised about the inhumane treatment of asylum seekers.
The Home Office, looking to reduce the costs of housing asylum seekers, has defended the use of the barge, stating that migrants’ welfare is a priority and denying claims that it resembles a “floating prison.” However, campaigners argue that the Langham family’s luxurious lifestyle contrasts sharply with the living conditions of the refugees placed on the barge.
Additionally, the Home Office has faced further criticism for its plans to house asylum seekers in “inhumane” Portakabin-style units at a mega-camp in Essex. Campaigners fear that these prefabs, planned to be used as “modular accommodation,” do not provide adequate living conditions for vulnerable asylum seekers.
Overall, the Langham family’s connection to UKIP and the controversial deal with the Home Office have sparked public outrage and raised concerns about the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers in the UK.
Ten things you may not know about UKIP
- Racism and xenophobia: UKIP has faced allegations of racism and xenophobia due to some of its members and representatives making controversial statements about immigration, ethnic minorities, and multiculturalism.
- Membership issues: UKIP has faced internal problems with members holding extreme or controversial views, which have sometimes led to infighting and public disputes.
- Party leadership: The party has had leadership struggles, with changes in leadership occurring relatively frequently, leading to instability and questions about the party’s direction.
- Relationship with far-right groups: UKIP has been accused of having ties to far-right and extremist groups, which has raised concerns about the party’s ideological stance.
- Funding controversies: There have been allegations of financial impropriety and concerns about the sources of funding for the party.
- Misinformation and false claims: Some UKIP members and supporters have been criticised for spreading misinformation, false claims, and conspiracy theories.
- Party defections: UKIP has experienced defections of prominent members to other parties, raising questions about the party’s cohesion and internal dynamics.
- European Parliament attendance: Some UKIP Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have faced criticism for low attendance and engagement in EU affairs.
- Handling of sexual harassment claims: The party has faced criticism over its handling of sexual harassment allegations against some of its members.
- Impact on British politics: Critics argue that UKIP’s influence has contributed to the polarisation of British politics and has been a factor in shaping the debate surrounding issues like Brexit and immigration.
An example of the misinformation, racism and outright extremism can currently be found on the No To The Barge group on Facebook, in which racists deny they are racist because they do not understand what racism is.
They are organising ‘spotters’ to identify asylum seekers being transported to the barge and some humorous soul has got this meme viral on social media.
In times of rampant ignorance and hate, humour is sometimes the only oasis.
Douglas James
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