A group of protesters in south London surrounded a coach over concerns that asylum seekers were being transferred to the Bibby Stockholm barge in Dorset. The police were called to the reports of protesters near a hotel in Peckham at around 08:40 BST. The coach was being obstructed by people and bicycles, causing it to remain stationary and empty of its intended passengers.
A Home Office spokesperson described the protesters’ behaviour as “intimidatory and aggressive”. They said that asylum seekers were being moved into alternative accommodation as part of their commitment to significantly reducing the use of hotels, to reduce costs on the taxpayer. The spokesperson further clarified that accommodation is allocated on a no-choice basis, but asylum seekers are free to make representations if they feel they are unsuitable to move to the Bibby Stockholm.
The protesters disagreed with the relocation of asylum seekers to the barge, citing that it is not a suitable place to house them. They argue that those due to be taken there have built relationships within the community in Peckham and do not want to be moved. This follows the Home Office’s abandonment of plans to move a group of asylum seekers to the Bibby barge following protests in Margate last week.
Around 150 protesters remain at the scene vocalizing chants of “We shall not be moved,” and “No borders, no nations, stop deportations.” Eight police vehicles are parked up and approximately 30 officers are standing at the front of the coach and flanking its sides. The road has been closed to traffic in both directions and the police have engaged with protesters at length, warning them that they could be arrested
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