Health and Safety Protocols Completed

After being left empty for two months due to the discovery of legionella bacteria, the Bibby Stockholm barge has been deemed safe by health officials, allowing migrants to return to the vessel. The Home Office has confirmed that tests for the bacteria, as well as improved fire safety protocols, have been completed.

New Rules for Migrants

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has announced a new set of strict rules for migrants who refuse to board the Bibby Stockholm. Those who do not comply will be evicted from taxpayer-funded hotels within 24 hours and treated as trespassers. They will then be given five days to move to the barge, or their accommodation support will be terminated.

Gradual Increase in Occupancy

The number of people on board the Bibby Stockholm will gradually increase in the coming days and months, as part of a carefully structured, phased approach. This move is aimed at reducing the use of expensive hotels and providing a more cost-effective and sustainable system for the UK taxpayer and local communities.

Protestors Meet Returning Migrants

As migrants returned to the barge, they were met by approximately 30 protestors who were holding banners with messages such as "Scrap the prison barge! Refugees welcome".

Cost of Asylum System

Last month, the migrant hotel bill for taxpayers reached £8 million, contributing to the total cost of Britain's asylum and accommodation system, which now exceeds £3 billion.