Some of the first group of asylum seekers have boarded the Bibby Stockholm barge with more arrivals expected today, Sky News understands.
Around 50 people were expected to move on to the vessel, docked in Portland Port in Dorset, on Monday following weeks of delays.
The Bibby Stockholm is one of a number of alternative sites the Home Office is using to end reliance on expensive hotels for asylum seekers, which the government says is costing £6m a day. The 222-bedroom vessel will ultimately hold 500 single males, with Home Office minister Sarah Dines suggesting the accommodation could reach full capacity by the end of the week.that people who cross the Channel will be housed in accommodation that is"proper...but not luxury" - claiming hotels are part of the"pull" factor attracting people to the UK.
But there has been considerable local opposition to the plan due to concerns about the asylum seekers' welfare and the impact on local services.
Danmark Seneste Nyt, Danmark Overskrifter
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