 The Government has essentially threatened to make asylum seekers homeless if they refuse to board the Bibby Stockholm, campaigners have said. The charity Care4Calais has said it has 'serious concerns' about the wording the Home Office has used in letters to asylum seekers. Sky News reported one which was sent to a man who would not board the barge in Portland, Devon, on Monday. It said: 'Accommodation is offered on a no-choice basis. 'Where asylum seekers fail to take up an offer of suitable accommodation without a reasonable explanation, there should be no expectation that alternative accommodation will be offered. 'If you do not travel tomorrow, on August 8, 2023, arrangements for ceasing the support that you are receiving from the Home Office may commence.' Another said: 'Your accommodation is changing and you will be moved to the Bibby Stockholm, Portland.' A copy of a letter sent from the Home Office to an asylum seeker being supported by Care4Calais (Picture: PA) People boarding the barge at Portland Port in Dorset on Monday (Picture: PA) Supporters carrying welcome packs for the first asylum seekers boarding the barge on Monday (Picture: PA) While it provides contact details to seek further 'advice and guidance on the asylum and support process', it does not mention legal rights or access to representation. Care4Calais said the language used suggests the move is mandatory, when 'asylum seekers are entitled to say no' and have a right to challenge the decision and seek legal representation. Chief executive Steve Smith said: 'Everyone has a right to access justice in the UK, and that includes the right to access legal advice. It is really clear that there are issues with Bibby Stockholm letters, which are being issued by the Government, and this fundamental right. 'Every asylum seeker who receives a Bibby Stockholm letter has the right to challenge it, and there are multiple reasons){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
The Government has essentially threatened to make asylum seekers homeless if they refuse to board the Bibby Stockholm, campaigners have said.
The charity Care4Calais has said it has ‘serious concerns’ about the wording the Home Office has used in letters to asylum seekers.
Sky News reported one which was sent to a man who would not board the barge in Portland, Devon, on Monday.
It said: ‘Accommodation is offered on a no-choice basis.