KeeP 106 has received a joint statement from Dorset Council and Dorset Police which sets out their shared position on the Home Office’s plans to house asylum seekers on a barge in Portland Port later this year. The statement reads:
“The organisations have questions about the proposal that remain unanswered and continue to seek clarity from the Home Office on plans. Both agencies have statutory responsibilities to ensure minimal impact on local services, should the Home Office’s plan go ahead.
Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader, Dorset Council, says:
“Dorset Council’s position has not changed. We still have serious reservations about the appropriateness of Portland Port in this scenario and we remain opposed to the proposals.
“However, like all local agencies, we have statutory responsibilities to fulfil and collectively we want to ensure robust arrangements are in place if this goes ahead.
“We still have unanswered questions which we are waiting for the Home Office and the barge operator to respond to. I want to reassure local people and businesses that Dorset Council, along with its trusted partners, is working to address concerns.”
David Sidwick, Police and Crime Commissioner stated:
“I would like to reassure Dorset residents that Dorset Police have started the necessary and detailed planning required to ensure both asylum seekers and residents will be kept safe. Currently though, they also have detailed questions that need answering and that are necessary to ensure the safety of all concerned.
“I have been and remain in regular contact with both the Home Secretary and the Policing Minister, with regard to the funding that will be required to meet the extra policing needs that this project will entail.
“I am determined that the funding should not come from the current police budget or from the people of Dorset and I will continue to push the government to fully fund the necessary security requirements brought about by the decision they have made to site this barge here in our county.”
A multi-agency forum (MAF) which includes representatives from national, regional and local public sector agencies and the Home Office, has therefore been established and meets weekly.
Four sub-groups have also been set up in addition to the MAF to look at the operational plans for provision of health services, the safety and security of both asylum seekers and local residents, regulatory arrangements, and voluntary sector involvement. They are:
- Health (Social Care and Public Health included)
- Safety and Security
- Place and Regulatory Services
- Community and wider stakeholder engagement and communication
This group meets weekly to discuss plans and arrangements. The collective aim is to ensure minimal impact on local services, communities and businesses.
Dorset Council and Dorset Police will continue to seek clarification from the Home Office on how it plans to operate the barge.”
