A Home Office spokesperson said:
“We can confirm that Bibby Stockholm is now on its way to Portland Port.
“Using vessels as alternative accommodation, like our European neighbours are already doing, will be better value for British taxpayers and more manageable for communities than costly hotels.
“We continue to work extremely closely with local councils and key partners to prepare for arrival of asylum seekers later this month and minimise disruption for local resident including through substantial financial support.
Background
• Our current asylum system is under extreme pressure and costing the country £3 billion a year and rising, including around £6 million a day on hotel accommodation.
• The Home Office is committed to making every effort to reduce hotel use and limit the burden on the taxpayer.
The Bibby Stockholm is now on its way to Portland Port where it will be berthed and undergo final inspections. This is the final part of the process to ensure the Bibby Stockholm is ready for the first group of asylum seekers.
• The first group of asylum seekers to be accommodated will move onto the vessel in Portland Port later this month, this will rise to a total of 500 migrants in a gradual phased programme of embarkation.
• We have reconfigured the rooms in line with marine industry safety regulations.
• Vessels have been used safely and successfully by Scottish and Dutch Governments over past year as accommodation.
The best way to relieve pressures on the asylum system is through the Illegal Migration Bill which will ensure people arriving in the UK illegally can be detained and swiftly removed to their home country or a safe third country.
• For more information on Bibby Stockholm, please use the Factsheet: asylum accommodation on a vessel in Portland Port (accessible) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Jacob Rees-Mogg handed his arse on asylum law:
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