British Government Scraps Controversial Asylum-Seeker Barge

The British government plans to cease using a controversial barge, Bibby Stockholm, to house asylum-seekers off the south coast of England. The Labour government aims to save 20 million pounds next year and over 7.7 billion pounds in the next decade by ending the contract and clearing the asylum backlog.

The British government announced on Tuesday its decision to scrap the controversial use of a barge for housing asylum-seekers off England's south coast, signaling a significant shift in its immigration policies.

The Labour government, which took charge earlier this month, declared that terminating the contract for the Bibby Stockholm would save 20 million pounds ($26 million) next year. This move is part of a broader strategy to cut over 7.7 billion pounds ($9.9 billion) over the next decade by addressing the massive asylum backlog.

The barge, since its arrival in Portland Harbour in Dorset, has been the epicenter of controversy, initially promoted as a cost-effective alternative to hotels by the previous Conservative government. Local opposition and significant health concerns, including the discovery of legionella bacteria and a tragic suicide, have marred its reputation.

(With inputs from agencies.)