First asylum seekers to move on to UK’s migrant barge despite fire warnings
The IndependentGet the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Home Office is to move asylum seekers onto the Bibby Stockholm barge, despite concerns about fire safety. The official brochure for the Bibby Stockholm shows 222 single bedrooms, but the Home Office has used bunk beds to push its capacity to 506 “We have provided advice and comment in relation to fire safety arrangements to both the Home Office and the vessels operators during our familiarisation and pre-occupation visits.” The Health and Safety Executive said it had issued separate advice over issues on the quayside surrounding the barge and its concerns had been addressed. The prime minister’s official spokesperson said: “The Bibby Stockholm is currently undergoing final preparations, including fire safety checks - that's happening this week - to ensure that it complies with all the appropriate regulations. A view of inside one of the bedrooms onboard the Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge at Portland Port in Dorset Once at the main gates, anyone is free to leave but the Home Office is trying to incentivise asylum seekers to make use of planned activities and hourly buses into the nearby resort town of Weymouth.