Sadiq Khan is “strongly opposed” to any plan to barge London asylum seekers
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he opposed it “in the strongest possible way” of anyone Internal office plans to dock another barge to house asylum seekers in the city Royal Docks.
The east London docks, next to the city’s airport, were named in reports this week as a potential new site for asylum seekers as part of Govt efforts to deal with Channel transitions.
The Home Office has not confirmed such a plan, but Mr Khan said his office had “recently become aware of the Home Office’s proposals to use the Royal Docks”.
The mayor said he opposes such plans “in the strongest possible terms.”
He said: “I am proud of London’s history of providing shelter for asylum seekers and I am concerned that vulnerable people fleeing horrific circumstances will not have access to the support they need and their safety, health and wellbeing will be exposed to serious risk. .
“The Government’s approach to asylum seekers is cruel and unworkable and will be made even worse by the Illegal Migration Bill.
“Instead, councils and relevant partners must retain legal powers and funding to support asylum seekers humanely and with dignity. We all have a responsibility to help those fleeing oppression and violence, and ministers need to urgently review their plans completely.”
Rishi Sunak this week insisted his pledge to “stop the boats” was “starting to work” as he revealed two more giant vessels would be used to accommodate migrants.
The Prime Minister refused to say where the two new barges would be moored, but there is speculation that the barges could be moored near Liverpool and Middlesbrough.
The Guardian also reported that the Royal Docks, managed by the Royal Docks Management Authority Limited, were among a number of other sites being discussed as part of plans to acquire more barges and former cruise ships.
The Home Office on Thursday refused to confirm whether the London docks were part of the discussions.
A Home Office spokesman said: “Pressure on the asylum system continues to grow and requires us to look at a range of accommodation options that offer better value for the British taxpayer than expensive hotels.
“That is why we continue to look for new alternative places and courts to host migrants that are more community-friendly, as our European neighbors are doing.
“We understand the concerns of local communities and will work closely with councils and key partners to manage the impact of using these sites, including liaising with local police to ensure the appropriate measures are in place.”
The government’s illegal migration bill is currently in the House of Lords, where it has faced strong criticism and scrutiny from peers.
The bill requires the home secretary to remove any migrants who arrive irregularly in one of the safe list countries, although they currently only have agreements to do so with Rwanda and Albania.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/royal-docks-london-home-office-government-channel-b2353539.html