Following the death of a man on the Bibby Stockholm barge, six Labour Members of Parliament have requested a visit to investigate “major safeguarding concerns” for those living on the vessel. The man, who has not been identified, is believed to have committed suicide on the vessel, which houses hundreds of men, in Portland Port. The government has repeatedly said that the welfare of those onboard is of the utmost importance. The six MPs are Kim Johnson MP (Liverpool Riverside), Clive Lewis MP (Norwich South), Paul Sweeny MSP (Glasgow Region), Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP (Brighton Kemptown), Olivia Blake MP (Sheffield Hallam), and Nadia Whittome MP (Nottingham East).
The MPs’ letter to Secretary of State James Cleverly requested “full transparency and access to all places of asylum seeker accommodation” for journalists, MPs, legal teams, and support groups. The group is concerned that those who have escaped from torture and persecution are typically housed in isolation in accommodation centres, where they are unable to maintain proper hygiene, privacy, and receive the mental health support they need. The MPs also expressed concern that asylum seekers are increasingly feeling terrified and alone, particularly following government plans to send migrants to Rwanda.
The MPs’ letter adds that the risks of similarly tragic events taking place could escalate without swift action. The immensity of the situation is a significant safeguarding concern for vulnerable people receiving care from the state. The UK Home Office said the police and coroner are carrying out an investigation into the death, which occurred on Tuesday. The government expressed its condolences, adding that the welfare of everyone under its care is taken seriously.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said that men on the barge are continually assessed for signs of emotional trauma, and support resources are available to them. The Home Office has not yet commented on the request to visit the vessel
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