The controversial Bibby Stockholm barge finally arrived in Dorset today. 

Dorset Echo: The Bibby Stockholm barge, which will house asylum seekers while their claims are processed,

Picture: Graham Hunt Photography

The vessel was towed from Falmouth, Cornwall, on Monday and arrived at Portland Port this morning where it was met by protesters.

READ: Bibby Stockholm barge set to arrive at Portland Port

Dorset Echo: Protestors gather on Portland as the Bibby Stockholm arrives

Picture: Graham Hunt Photography

The barge will accommodate more than 500 asylum seekers while their claims are processed, the first of its kind to do so in the UK.

Its arrival comes as the Government's migration plans are poised to become law after ministers saw off fresh challenges by peers.

Dorset Echo:

Picture: John Taylor

Last night, the Tory frontbench saw off five further changes being sought by the unelected chamber to the Illegal Migration Bill, including modern slavery protections and child detention limits.

There is fierce opposition to the barge locally. 

READ: Protesters clash as asylum barge docks at Portland

Groups Stand up to Racism and No to the Barge gathered on Portland this morning to voice their anger and concerns.

Dorset Echo:

Picture: Graham Hunt Photography

It lead to heated exchanges between groups.

Stand Up to Racism Dorset says refugees are welcome but that they shouldn't be housed on the Bibby Stockholm, which they describe as a "prison barge".

Meanwhile, members of the NO TO THE BARGE group say they are concerned about the number of asylum seekers being housed on the vessel and the impact it will have on local infrastructure.