Quick Dip: The Bibby Stockholm Controversy
Asylum seekers have been evacuated from the ‘Bibby Stockholm’ barge after the discovery of dangerous Legionella bacteria.
The controversial vessel, located in Dorset, England, had welcomed its first 39 asylum seekers days prior to the discovery of Legionella bacteria in the water supply. Yet Government Ministers were informed three days after it was initially discovered. Legionella bacteria can cause a severe type of pneumonia, known as Legionnaires’ Disease, and when not treated promptly can be fatal. The migrants aboard have since been relocated to government hotels, further increasing the extortionate cost of the project.
It is unknown whether checks were carried out before the barge was boarded, as the UK Home Office has not confirmed whether water systems were tested and flushed with chlorine, a method commonly used to kill Legionella. In addition to this, there are no portable water storage units aboard the vessel, according to an outbreak management plan drawn up by sub-contractors Landry & King. According to experts, once Legionella has spread, it is exceedingly challenging to eliminate, with system flushes unable to kill the bacteria.
In the days leading up to the evacuation, many high profile Conservative ministers made media appearances defending the barge against safety concerns. Immigration minister Robert Jenrick insisted the barge was ‘safe and perfectly decent’, and Home Secretary Suella Braverman stressed her confidence that the barge was ‘safe for human habitation’.
Previously, tuberculosis and scabies were discovered at the Wethersfield military base, sparking an ongoing legal challenge between the Home Office and local affected councils. Despite this, Braverman used a rare ‘emergency’ declaration to bypass normal planning permission procedures in order to move the first 46 asylum seekers on base. In addition to this, 18 military families were given notice to leave the base, with some given as little as a week to pack and leave their homes.
This news came as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak launched ‘small boats week’, during which the government aimed to make a series of announcements regarding the success of combating migrant crossings. Instead, it has been plagued by evidence of their failure to safely house asylum seekers. Politicians from all parties have spoken out against the government's handling of the situation. Steven Kinnock, Labour's shadow immigration minister said: ‘the Tories asylum chaos is going from bad to worse’. Meanwhile, former Home Secretary Priti Patel condemned the lack of clarity provided by the Home Office.
Downing Street states that the intention is to rehouse the asylum seekers back on the Bibby Stockholm as soon as possible. Yet there is no official timetable, and the Home Office have declined to say when the barge will be declared safe for human inhabitation. Once again the UK government and the Home Office have failed to rehouse migrants in appropriate accommodation that affects not just those seeking asylum.
Image Credits: Andrew Bone — Edited by GorStra Team