A LABOUR MP attempted to enter Portland Port to inspect the Bibby Stockholm barge but was denied access by CEO Bill Reeves.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP visited Portland to talk to asylum seekers and Portland residents after a group of MPs asked the Home Office if they would be able to visit the barge to ensure it is a safe living environment.

Dorset Echo: The MP alongside three Portland Councillors tried to enter Portland PortThe MP alongside three Portland Councillors tried to enter Portland Port (Image: Tom Lawrence)

The group of MPs included Clive Lewis, Olivia Blake, Paul Sweeney and Kim Johnson.

The MPs were not granted permission by the Home Office but Mr Russell-Moyle decided to make the trip to Portland and try and enter anyway.

The MP for Brighton Kemptown said he spoke to asylum seekers who are currently living on the barge and was told that recreational activities have been stripped from the barge, including taking away a basketball from a basketball court due to "safety reasons".

Mr Russell-Moyle said: “I am concerned about the treatment and support that the Government is giving to asylum seekers and local communities that are hosting asylum seekers across the country.

“I have come to Portland because it is the biggest and most obvious facility and the only barge operating at the moment.

“The Home Affairs select committee was told by the inspector that MPs and the committee would be welcome to go and visit to show that it is an adequate facility, the Home Office seems to have reneged on that.

“I am not the kind of MP that waits around, sitting on my todd for an invite to come.

“I said I would come down and speak to people and come and ask the Port if I could come in."

The MP tried to enter alongside Portland Councillors Carralyn Parkes, Paul Kimber and Giovanna Lewis but was told no by Port CEO Bill Reeves directly.

Mr Russell-Moyle asked Mr Reeves about why welcome packages were not being allowed to enter the barge.

Mr Russel-Moyle said: “I said Bill I am concerned about two things, firstly that people don’t have access regularly to see facilities and that asylum seekers don’t have the capacity to come in and out.

“Secondly I asked about when these friendship packages are being given, you are rejecting them and not allowing them to be collected.

“He said he couldn’t engage with that discussion.”

Speaking on October 19, a Port spokesperson said: "Groups or organisations wishing to deliver care packages should do so through the Multi-Agency Forum (MAF), which comprises local, regional and national representatives from Dorset Council, local NHS, Dorset Police, public agencies and community organisations.

"The relevant MAF subgroup would then arrange to collect care packages as appropriate, which is why the port is unable to take receipt of care packages directly.”