Asylum seekers to be housed on Dorset barge despite local opposition

Human rights groups and Conservative council criticise move to house 500 men on Bibby Stockholm vessel in Portland Port

The Home Office is on a collision course with a Conservative council and MP, as well as human rights groups, after confirming it will house about 500 asylum seekers on a giant barge off the Dorset coast.

In a statement, the Home Office said the Bibby Stockholm, to be berthed in Dorset's Portland port, would accommodate single men in basic and functional accommodation" and healthcare, and would be cheaper than housing them in hotels.