Another packed public meeting in Portland has agreed to oppose the Bibby Stockholm barge and to offer solidarity and support for refugees who come to South Dorset. The meeting, called by Stand Up To Racism Dorset, also resolved to highlight the role of Langham Industries, owners of Portland Port, who will make millions of pounds from incarceration of refugees on the barge.
The meeting heard from Reverend Nick Clarke, Rural Dean of Weymouth and Portland, who hosted the Archbishop of Canterbury at a recent conference in Portland. “Placing refugees on this barge is inhumane,” said Rev Clarke, explaining that the Archbishop is calling for a halt to plans for the barge until there has been full consultation with local communities.
“The Archbishop made clear that this is about human dignity,” said Nick Clarke, “not just that of the refugees and asylum seekers but also the human dignity of our local communities.”
The meeting endorsed the Archbishop’s call for a halt to the barge project and supported plans to highlight the role of Langham Industries, whose owners also operate Dorset business Langham Wines.
Jenny Lennon-Wood, Secretary of Dorset Trades Union Council, said: “Langham says its wines are ‘Dorset born and bred’. Perhaps they should listen to Dorset people – our communities are opposed to this barge and dismayed that Langham will be making millions from its contract with the government to berth the Bibby Stockholm at Portland.
“It’s shocking that a local business is prepared to profit from the predicament of refugees – most of whom are victims of war, conflict and crisis. Who would want to enjoy Langham wines in the knowledge that the company is profiting from misery? Langham Industries shames Dorset.”
Action campaign
The meeting agreed an action campaign to focus on Langham’s role in hosting the barge – and discussed plans to support refugees who arrive in Portland. A local barrister explained that experts in immigration law are ready to assist refugees faced by the complex procedures involved in applications for asylum. And representatives of community organisations and arts projects are developing plans for supportive activity in Weymouth and Portland.
The meeting called for unity in demanding effective local health services. Philip Marfleet, co-author of the Forgotten Towns report on Weymouth and Portland, said; “The need for proper functioning services in Portland has never been greater. GP surgeries are under enormous pressure and Portland Community Hospital has been stripped of its crucial Minor Injuries Unit and X-ray department.
“Hundreds of people living and working on the barge will need emergency services – and we have a purpose-built hospital that can provide them. At the same time, the Independent Monitoring Board at The Verne Prison has called repeatedly for proper community hospital facilities. Now is the time to restore full services to Portland Hospital, so that it can serve local communities and all those who come to live in Portland.”
The meeting endorsed an Open Letter to executives of Dorset authorities calling for prompt action to restore key facilities at the hospital.
Candy Udwin from Stand Up To Racism Dorset said: “There are those ready to blame refugees for economic and social problems in South Dorset. We reject this ‘blame game’. We want to unite all those with a common interest in decent jobs and services – in living together in communities that care for one another, including for refugees who need our solidarity and support.”
Stand Up To Racism Dorset
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