Thousands of migrants could be housed in extra massive barges across the whole ... trends now
Thousands of migrants could be housed in extra large barges across the UK, including spots in Tyneside, Essex, Suffolk and near London City Airport.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed that two more giant vessels will be used to house around 1,000 people seeking refuge in the UK, as he stated his plans to stop the dangerous Channel crossings are 'starting to work'.
The first is due to take up position off Portland in Dorset in the coming weeks, but the premier refused to say where the new additions will be located.
There has been widespread speculation one could also be based on Merseyside. A spokesperson for Wirral Council stated that 'no decisions have been made' and that 'conversations are continuing with the Home Office'.
According to the Guardian, it is believed further barges will be moored at Teesport, near Middlesbrough, and in docks near Liverpool.
Rishi Sunak revealed that two more giant vessels will be used to house around 1,000 people seeking refuge in the UK
It comes after Mr Sunak made a speech in Kent on Monday while visiting boarder forces in Dover, in which he claimed his push to 'stop the boats' is 'starting to work'
It has also been suggested there have been discussions to acquire more barges and disused cruise ships to house asylum seekers, and that these could be docked on Tyneside near Newcastle, Harwich in Essex, Felixstowe in Suffolk and the Royal London docks near City Airport.
These reports have not currently been confirmed.
It is thought that the Government will confirm which locations will be used in the coming weeks.
In a statement, the Home Office confirmed that the Government has been looking at 'a range of accommodation options'.
'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,' it said.
'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 are also taking immediate action to clear the asylum backlog by doubling the number of asylum caseworkers to 2,500 and streamlining interviews and paperwork.'
The Bibby Marine, the first vessel to be used in this way, will accommodate up to 506 people in 222 en-suite bedrooms who will be free to come and go while their asylum claims are processed
A gym inside the barge, which is owned by Liverpool based company Bibby Marine
It comes after Mr Sunak made a speech in Kent on Monday while visiting boarder forces in Dover, in which he claimed his push to 'stop the boats' is 'starting to work'.
'Our approach is working,' Mr Sunak said. 'I said I will stop the boats and I meant it.'
He added: 'If you look at what is happening in Europe the numbers are up.'
Official figures suggest numbers crossing from the continent have been slightly lower so far this year, although the weather can have a major impact.
Nearly 3,800 have been recorded, compared to 4,500 in the equivalent period in 2022. Provisional figures show another 3,800 in April and May, but there were more than 5,000 over those two months last year.
After being taken out on a Border
