Portland: protesters march in Dorset against barge plan

The march was organised by the Stand Up to Racism Dorset (SURD) group, which walked to chants of ‘Dorset people we say no, prison barge has got to go' as they likened the barge to a 'prison cell'.

Protesters in support of asylum seekers met up next to Victoria Square Roundabout this afternoon where speeches were made, before a convoy of people was escorted by police towards Portland Port, where the barge is due to arrive in June.

The Bibby Stockholm barge will accommodate about 500 single adult males whilst their asylum claims are processed. It is currently undergoing checks in Falmouth.

As the march reached the port, more speeches were made in support of SURD's views, but there were also a few counter protesters present with opposing views on the plans who claim that the arrival of the men would be an 'invasion'. 

Police did not have to step in as voices were raised from opposing sides during the speeches before the demonstration ended in the afternoon.

Together with the placards, two SURD members brought alone a small-scale Bibby Stockholm barge to the march, which received interest from passing traffic which was halted by police as the crowd moved along the road.

Organisers said the protest makes clear that refugees are welcome in Dorset - but that they should not be housed on a barge.

Tom Lane, a member of SURD and one of those to address the crowd, said that many asylum seekers are 'well-educated' and 'highly-qualified workers'.

"The idea that these people are illegal, undocumented and criminal is just lies," he added.

In response to 'invasion' claims from opposing groups, Mr Lane called this 'utter nonsense' and said asylum seekers make up a small fraction of the UK's population, adding that thousands of homes in Dorset are 'lying empty'.

Portland town councillor Giovanna Lewis also gave a speech, saying there 'was not a lot we could do' about the barge plans and the council had been 'kept in the dark' about the scheme.

"I would say as these people come, we can choose - we don't have to be against these people and we can welcome them and make a good job of it," she said.

"Because if we don't start doing that now, what are we going to do in the decades to come when more and more people [arrive]?"

Protesters brought a small-scale replica of the Bibby Stockholm barge which is due to arrive on Portland in June (Image: Kieran Bell)

Other speeches said that the barge resembled 'prison cells' as protesters called on the authorities to rethink the proposals.

Some also raised concerns about the potential profits that Portland Port could make out of its agreement with the Government, and the barge's pressure on Portland's infrastructure and services. 

The Portland Port barge will be the first of its kind in the UK and will be operational for at least 18 months. 

The Government said the plans will 'reduce the reliance on expensive hotels' and deliver a 'more cost-effective and sustainable asylum accommodation system'. 

Bill Reeves, chief executive of Portland Port, has long defended the plans, saying the port needed to play its part in the national effort. 

A spokesman for Portland Port said today that it was 'pleased the march took place without incident'. 

Protesters were escorted to the port by the police (Image: Kieran Bell)

He added: “We can assure protestors and the wider community that a great deal of work is taking place by Portland Port, the Home Office and local agencies to ensure that the Bibby Stockholm is operated in a safe, secure and successful way both for the refugees and local people.

“This includes discussions about the funding and provision of health services and activities for the refugees to limit the impact on local services while making a positive contribution in the local area.

“Members of the local community are very welcome to become involved in a voluntary capacity to provide support for the refugees following their arrival.”