Firefighters have accused ministers of attempting to house asylum seekers on a "potential deathtrap" after health and safety officials prompted a further delay to the use of a giant barge until next week.
An intervention from health and safety officials postponed the arrival of the first people due to stay on the 222-bedroom Bibby Stockholm in Portland, Dorset, while the Fire Brigades Union said it was planning to write to the Home Office about overcrowding and access to fire exits.
The development adds to the pressure Rishi Sunak faces to explain why the government persists in planning to use the barge, which has been condemned by refugee organisations for being costly, cruel and inhumane.
A Home Office source confirmed the delays in the use of the barge as officials awaited sign-off from health and safety officials.
"The Bibby Stockholm will not be taking new arrivals tomorrow. It could now be next week as the council's guidance is that they don't want new services beginning on a Thursday or Friday close to the weekend.
"Delay is because working practices for port workers have to be signed off for the Health and Safety Executive. There are no fire safety issues," the source said.
But the FBU's assistant general secretary, Ben Selby, said he was writing to the Home Office about claims of overcrowding and access to fire exits after members raised concerns.
"As the only professional voice, firefighters believe the Bibby Stockholm to be a potential deathtrap," he told the Guardian.
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin August 02, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin August 02, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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