CRUISE SHIPS could house Channel migrants trends now
Channel migrants are set to be put up on cruise ships for the first time, under Rishi Sunak's plan for tackling the crisis.
The Home Office is expecting to put up around 1,000 arrivals aboard two vessels - likely to be moored in Merseyside and potentially Teeside.
The names of the ships, and the locations, are being kept closely under wraps. However, the MS Victoria has been used for temporary accommodation of Ukrainian refugees in Scotland, and is due to be available in the coming weeks.
It will be the first time Channel arrivals have been placed in cruise ships.
The MS Victoria has been moored at Leith, Edinburgh, but will reportedly be free from mid-July.
It is billed as featuring a cinema, entertainment stage and luxury cabins - although it is not clear whether changes were made for its current purpose.
The MS Victoria has been moored at Leith, Edinburgh, but will reportedly be free from mid-July
Some of the features inside the MS Victoria, which could be a potential option for the government to accommodate Channel migrants
The MS Victoria boasts luxury cabins - although it is not clear whether changes have been made for its current purpose
Government sources said announcements on the details are 'a way off'.
There were reports in April that the Home Office was in negotiations with the operators of Birkenhead port, the Peel Group.
The site being looked at for the other cruise vessel is unclear, but Teesport, near Middlesborough, is thought to be a contender.
Newcastle upon Tyne, Felixstowe in Suffolk, Harwich in Essex, and the Royal London docks, east London, are also under consideration, the Guardian reported.
Separately a barge
