UK gov to return migrants to bacteria-infested barge: UK media

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
14 Aug 2023 22:25

The UK government plans to return irregular migrants to the Bibby Stockholm barge despite concerns over bacterial infection, as cost-saving measures prompt reconsideration of housing arrangements.

A view of the Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge, which is dedicated to housing irregular migrants, at Portland Port in Dorset, England, Friday, July 21, 2023 (AP)

The UK government announced its intention to return the irregular migrants to the Bibby Stockholm barge, where the Legionella bacteria was detected to have broken out last week.

On Friday, British media reported that UK authorities were relocating migrants off the barge in response to the discovery of bacteria in the water system.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay reportedly cited cost considerations for the decision to return migrants to the barge from hotels where they are currently housed.

"We do expect them [the migrants] to be back onto the boat as soon as possible. The Home Office is awaiting the results of further tests. Once those have been completed, obviously the intention is to return people," a spokesperson for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.

Legionellosis is caused by consuming contaminated water particles. The resulting illness initially manifests with flu-like symptoms and can progress to pneumonia. Those afflicted with the disease require swift antibiotic treatment is crucial to reduce compounding health complications.

The Bibby Stockholm barge was activated last week: hosting the first group of irregular migrants as part of a new approach aimed at cost-saving. Previously, irregular migrants were predominantly housed in hotels, incurring a daily cost of around $8.9 million for the government.

This new measure to accommodate migrants on the barge aims to reduce expenditures while addressing the persistent issue of illegal migration, which has been a significant concern for the UK, especially since the country's departure from the European Union in 2020.