News that migrants were brought on board before the results of the testing came back will fuel criticism from campaigners and refugee charities that have opposed the use of the Bibby Stockholm.
The vessel - moored at Portland Port on the south coast - is part of the government’s plan to “stop the boats” and deter Channel crossings by migrants.
But the initiative had already suffered a shaky start after delays over safety concerns and legal challenges had frustrated ministers’ attempts to ramp up the numbers of people boarding the barge.
Further testing has been done - by Dorset Council’s Environmental Health team - since the bacteria were found, and it is expected that migrants will be moved back only if and when the water supply is all clear of contamination.
The bacteria are normally found in rivers and lakes, but can also make their home - and grow in large numbers - inside water tanks and plumbing systems.
Oxford-based GP Dr Dominik Metz said that he was concerned about risks to asylum seekers, after one of his patients who was being treated for latent tuberculosis was told he was being moved to the barge.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
News that migrants were brought on board before the results of the testing came back will fuel criticism from campaigners and refugee charities that have opposed the use of the Bibby Stockholm.
The vessel - moored at Portland Port on the south coast - is part of the government’s plan to “stop the boats” and deter Channel crossings by migrants.
But the initiative had already suffered a shaky start after delays over safety concerns and legal challenges had frustrated ministers’ attempts to ramp up the numbers of people boarding the barge.
Further testing has been done - by Dorset Council’s Environmental Health team - since the bacteria were found, and it is expected that migrants will be moved back only if and when the water supply is all clear of contamination.
The bacteria are normally found in rivers and lakes, but can also make their home - and grow in large numbers - inside water tanks and plumbing systems.
Oxford-based GP Dr Dominik Metz said that he was concerned about risks to asylum seekers, after one of his patients who was being treated for latent tuberculosis was told he was being moved to the barge.
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