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Episode details

Radio Solent,2 mins

Asylum seeker living on Bibby Stockholm barge tells what life is like on board

Steve Harris

Available for over a year

An asylum seeker living on board the government's controversial accommodation barge, docked at Portland Port, has likened the experience to "entering Alcatraz prison". The first group of men - around 15 individuals - moved onto the Bibby Stockholm on Monday. The government intends to eventually house 500 18-to-65-year-olds there, saying it provides better value for the taxpayer as pressure on the asylum system continues to grow. The BBC's Persian Service has been speaking to one man living on board. The Home Office says the welfare of those in its care is of the utmost priority and that the accommodation provided is safe and appropriate.

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