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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Ben Quinn Political correspondent

Barges could still be used for asylum seekers under Labour, says Cooper

The Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge is towed out of Falmouth to begin its  voyage to Portland, Dorset.
The Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge is towed out of Falmouth to begin its voyage to Portland, Dorset. Photograph: Hugh R Hastings/Getty Images

Barges and disused military bases could continue to be used to house asylum seekers under a Labour government until a claims backlog has cleared, the shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, has indicated.

On Monday a barge that is expected to house 500 asylum seekers departed for its permanent berth at Portland in Dorset a month behind schedule after being fitted out for its controversial role.

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