In response to a Government announcement that the Bibby Stockholm asylum barge will be closed, Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, said:

“Warehousing people on a giant barge is distressingly reminiscent of the prison hulks of the Victorian era and it’s absolutely correct that this inhuman practice will eventually end. 

“Along with the disastrous Rwanda scheme, the Bibby Stockholm is emblematic of the previous Government's failure in refusing to process claims and grant asylum where that was merited.  

“Along with the closure of the Bibby Stockholm we need to see the use of former military barracks and similarly unsuitable asylum accommodation ended as soon as possible.

“People seeking asylum have the right to be housed in a safe, dignified fashion, plans for which we hope to see from the new Government.”