Plans for asylum seeker barge near Sadiq Khan's office at London's Royal Docks are sunk

8 June 2023, 08:04 | Updated: 8 June 2023, 11:49

Henry Riley reports Royal Docks barges are not going ahead

By Asher McShane

Asylum seekers will not be housed in a barge at London’s Royal Docks, it has been confirmed.

Officials from the Royal Docks confirmed to LBC today that the plans were not feasible.

Scott Derben, from the Managing Director Royal Docks Management Authority (RoDMA) said: "London’s Royal Docks were approached by the Home Office to look at the feasibility of berthing a cruise ship to house asylum seekers. 

"After investigation, it was concluded that this would not be an appropriate use for the Royal Docks. The Home Office were informed of this decision in May."

It comes after the Mayor of London said he was opposed to the plans “in the strongest possible terms,” saying it would leave “vulnerable people” without “access to the support they need.”

Mr Khan said his office had been "recently made aware of Home Office proposals to use the Royal Docks".

However the Home Office told LBC that "Sadiq Khan should get on with looking after Londoners, rather than troublemaking. There are no plans for a barge at the Royal Docks.”

Plans are being considered to put a migrant barge in the Royal Docks
Plans are being considered to put a migrant barge in the Royal Docks. Picture: Alamy

Read more: Heathrow workers announce strike action for almost every weekend from mid-June to the end of August

Listen and subscribe to Unprecedented: Inside Downing Street on Global Player

Mr Khan said: “I oppose these plans in the strongest possible terms.

““I am proud of London’s history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge, and I am concerned that vulnerable people fleeing appalling circumstances would not have access to the support they need, with their safety, health and wellbeing being put at serious risk.

“The Government’s approach to asylum seekers is cruel and unworkable, and will be made worse by the Illegal Migration Bill”.

The Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge at Falmouth docks in Cornwall
The Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge at Falmouth docks in Cornwall. Picture: Alamy

“Instead councils and relevant partners need to retain the legal powers and the funding to support asylum seekers humanely and with dignity.

“We all have a responsibility to help those escaping oppression and violence, and ministers need to completely rethink their plans as a matter of urgency.”

Local residents told LBC’s reporter Henry Riley they weren’t in support of the idea.

“I don’t mind them being close to where I live, I just think they should have better accommodation than a barge.”

While another raised concerns about what migrants would do in the area, “I wonder what they’re going to do all day around here, if they came here and they were all given jobs it would be amazing, but if they’re just going to sit on a barge and wander the streets it’s cruel to them."

A Home Office spokesman said: "The pressure on the asylum system has continued to grow and requires us to look at a range of accommodation options which offer better value for the British taxpayer than expensive hotels.

"This is why we continue to source new alternative sites and vessels to accommodate migrants, which are more manageable for communities, as our European neighbours 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 make sure appropriate arrangements are in place."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The scene in Coulter Road, Hammersmith, west London, following the death of a woman in a flat

Woman, 36, found dead after man seen trying to force his way into flat in west London

Quinn Parker

'Inhumane' NHS trust admits maternity failings as three babies die within months of each other

The Aesculapian snake can grow up to two metres in length

Europe's biggest snake 'thriving' in UK and living in people's attics, study finds

The Aurora Borealis, Or Northern Lights, Visible From Large Swath Of North America

Northern Lights to be visible across parts of UK tonight

Zhenhao Zou is accused of rape

Woman 'among ten accusing Chinese student of rape' in London left 'angry and ashamed after attack', court told

London, UK. 28th January, 2025. Attorney General Richard Hermer arrives in Downing Street to attend the weekly Cabinet meeting. Credit: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Alamy Live News

Labour spat as peer brands attorney general Lord Hermer 'arrogant, progressive fool' and calls for him to quit

Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire

Soldier, 19, complained of 'unwelcome behaviour' from 'psychotic and possessive' boss before taking her own life

Watch the rousing Super Bowl ad directed by Michael Bay on behalf of the Secret Service

US Secret Service spends millions on recruitment film from Hollywood director Michael Bay

Father jailed for at least 15 years after murdering daughter, 14, in 'kitchen play fight'

Scarlett Vickers' grandad defends father who stabbed teen to death in 'kitchen play fight'

Israeli captive Eli Sharabi was handed over on Saturday

Hamas delays the release of hostages 'until further notice' over claims Israel violated ceasefire deal

Donald Trump has said he is working on a plan to broker a deal to bring an end the war in Ukraine

Trump's Russia-Ukraine plan explained: How the US President intends to end the war

Britain's King Charles III, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, right, and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, center, speak to teachers and school children as they visit Nansledan School in Newquay, England, Monday, Feb.

King Charles turns tour guide as Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner embark on royal visit to Cornish housing project

a

Labour suspends second MP Oliver Ryan over 'unacceptable' WhatsApp group messages

The parents of the victims of the Southport attack have called for change

'We will never feel true happiness again': Parents of Southport victims pay tribute to daughters as they call for change

Keith Kellogg has reportedly told allies he is preparing 'end of war' options to present to Donald Trump

America's Russia-Ukraine envoy preparing 'end of war options' to present to Trump

Travel agency says people should look to go away at Easter instead to save money

End of the summer holiday? Families told to go away at Easter instead to save thousands