Sadiq Khan urges the Home Secretary to rule out plans for a barge in London’s Royal Docks to house hundreds of asylum seekers.
The Mayor wrote to Suella Braverman on Thursday, expressing his “strong opposition” to “unsafe and unworkable” suggestions to moor refugee accommodation near City Airport and his own offices.
However, City Hall cautioned Mr Khan that if the Government went forward with the proposal, he would be unable to stop it.
“Today I have written to the Home Secretary to outline my strong opposition to any proposals to use London as the location of barges to accommodate those seeking asylum in the UK,” Mr Khan said.
“We were recently approached by the Home Office asking to use the Royal Docks as a location for a barge. To be clear these plans would be unsafe and unworkable, and they risk the health and wellbeing of already highly vulnerable people.
“London has a proud history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge.”
He accused the Government of fostering a “cruel and inhumane” approach to asylum seekers.
“Ministers need to completely rethink their plans as a matter of urgency,” he added.
The Home Office approached the Royal Docks Management Authority (RoDMA) some weeks ago about the possibility of mooring a barge for asylum seekers in the east London docks.
Their locations have not yet been finalised, but Liverpool and Middlesborough are thought to be options. A third barge will be anchored off the Dorset coast.