Government unveils barge to house unprocessed asylum seekers

The government has confirmed it plans to house 500 male asylum seekers onto a barge moored off the Dorset Coast – in an attempt to reduce the cost of hotels.

The Home Office said the Bibby Stockholm – which will now be towed  from southern Italy to Portland port – will provide “basic and functional” accommodation, but local Tory politicians and refugee charities have both voiced their opposition.