SOUTH Dorset Labour MP Lloyd Hatton said he was delighted to confirm the decision not to renew the  Bibby Stockholm barge contract  - following discussions with a government minister.

The new MP says he made it clear that the barge is an "unworkable, expensive and ineffective gimmick".

In his talk with Home Office minister, Angela Eagle, it was also outlined that the men currently housed on the barge will have their asylum cases dealt with as a matter of extreme urgency following months, if not years, of delay.

During the general election campaign, Mr Hatton says he made it clear at every hustings and community event that closing the barge was a top priority for him personally.

Following the announcement, the South Dorset MP said: “This is fantastic news for South Dorset. I’d like to thank the minister for being constructive and fair with her decision, this new Labour Government understands exactly why the barge is unworkable.

"It is only right that the barge is shut down when the current contract expires. I will now spend every day making sure that the closure of the barge happens in a smooth and orderly fashion.

"Before the general election, I made crystal clear that closing down the barge is a top priority for me. This decision is a promise made, promise kept.

"This is the difference a Labour MP working hand-in-hand with a Labour Government can make. We must never forget that the previous Conservative Government landed us with the barge; and that this Labour Government did the right thing and shut it down.

"I’m proud to represent South Dorset, and I will make sure we always have a strong voice in Westminster.”