Arrival of first asylum seekers on Bibby Stockholm barge delayed

Asylum seekers will not be moved on to the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge on Tuesday as planned after last minute meetings responding to fire safety concerns, Sky News understands.

However, there is still a possibility that they could be moved on to the barge, which is currently docked in Portland on the coast of Dorset, later this week.

A Home Office spokesperson said the vessel is “undergoing final preparations to ensure it complies with all appropriate regulations before the arrival of the first asylum seekers”.