Bibby Stockholm challenge over housing migrants thrown out of court

Carralyn Parkes wanted the go-ahead to challenge the lawfulness of the use of the Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland Harbour, Dorset.

A judge ruled against Parkes, a member of Portland Town Council and the Mayor of Portland, on Wednesday, after considering arguments at a High Court hearing in London.

WATCH NOW: Bibby Stockholm arrives in UK

Parkes said she was “deeply concerned” by the Government's plan to house migrants in the barge currently docked in Portland Harbour.

The councillor argued that the barge was a “breach of planning control” and said it was “not in compliance” with environmental impact assessment duties.

Prior to the ruling, Braverman’s lawyers claimed Parkes’s challenge was “without merit” and was “out of time”.

The ruling today means the challenge will not be allowed to proceed to a trial.

It comes after migrants were allowed to return to the barge following the discovery of Legionella bacteria in the water system back in August.

The Home Office confirmed migrants would be rehomed on the barge “following the vessel completing all necessary tests”.

In a letter seen by the BBC, migrants were told: “you will be required to move to alternative accommodation, and specifically, the Bibby Stockholm barge”.

It added that “this accommodation is offered on a no-choice basis”.

Legionella bacteria, which caused the exodus, can cause a serious lung infection (Legionnaire’s disease) although none of the 39 migrants on board the barge at the time reported symptoms.

A Home Office spokesperson said at the time: “The health and welfare of individuals on the vessel is our utmost priority.

“Environmental samples from the water system on the Bibby Stockholm have shown levels of legionella bacteria which require further investigation.

“Following these results, the Home Office has been working closely with UKHSA and following its advice in line with long established public health processes, and ensuring all protocol from Dorset Council’s Environmental Health team and Dorset NHS is adhered to.

“As a precautionary measure, all 39 asylum seekers who arrived on the vessel this week are being disembarked while further assessments are undertaken.

“No individuals on board have presented with symptoms of Legionnaires’, and asylum seekers are being provided with appropriate advice and support.

“The samples taken relate only to the water system on the vessel itself and therefore carry no direct risk indication for the wider community of Portland nor do they relate to fresh water entering the vessel.

“Legionnaires’ disease does not spread from person to person.”