The barge, which is currently moored in Dorset, was established by the previous Conservative government as part of an effort to reduce lodging costs for visitors who arrived in the UK via small boat crossings. However, the Home Office has recently stated that the contract will be terminated beginning next year "as part of the government's commitment to clear the backlog and fix the asylum system". A spokeswoman stated that extending the contract would have cost more than £20 million next year. The Home Office said that eliminating the use of the barge for asylum seekers is part of an estimated £7.7 billion in asylum cost savings over the next decade.The barge, now anchored in Dorset, was established by the previous Conservative government.
Dame Angela Eagle, minister for border security and asylum, stated, "We are determined to restore order to the asylum system, ensuring that it operates quickly, firmly, and fairly, and that the rules are properly enforced." "The Home Secretary has put out plans to start clearing the asylum backlog and making savings on lodging, which is running up huge expenditures for taxpayers. Dame Angela Eagle, minister for border security and asylum, stated, "We are determined to restore order to the asylum system, ensuring that it operates quickly, firmly, and fairly, and that the rules are properly enforced." "The Home Secretary has put out plans to start clearing the asylum backlog and making savings on lodging, which is running up huge expenditures for taxpayers.