THE first migrant to step foot off the Bibby Stockholm told HOAR today: “I like it.”
Iranian Amir, 32, was one of 15 asylum seekers bussed onto the giant barge on Monday.
The Bibby Stockholm has taken its first illegal migrants
The refugee spoke little English but explained he enjoyed a breakfast of eggs, cheese and bread.
He added those on board are mostly Iranian or Afghans, and that he flew into Britain six months ago leaving his wife at home.
Amir met our reporter after taking a free bus into the nearby seaside town of Weymouth.
He said: “It’s ok, I like it.”
But a charity worker quickly ushered him away saying he was not allowed to talk to the press.
Charity workers have been allowed aboard the barge to give welcome packs of food and toiletries.
But a protest group “No to the Barge” has been sent “threatening” letters from Portland Port warning against its social media use, members claimed.
Illegal migrants refusing to board the Bibby Stockholm barge have been given an ultimatum – get on today or lose your housing.
Tories have erupted after campaigners stopped around 20 asylum seekers moving onto the vessel yesterday with a last-minute legal bid.
Home Office sources have now warned they will pull the plug on their taxpayer-funded accommodation unless the migrants and their lawyer reps back down.
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk this morning suggested this radical move would be legal.
He said: “That is something that the courts would have to consider but I think it’s unlikely, bluntly, that it would be illegal to do so but all cases are considered on their facts.”
Just 15 migrants spent the night onboard the ship moored in Portland, Dorset, following the legal challenge.
The left-wing Care4Calais charity have branded the 500-bed vessel a “floating prison” totally unsuitable for their clients who have suffered torture and slavery.
One migrant even managed to avoid a night on the barge because of his fear of water.
