Earlier this week, climate activists including Greta Thunberg were arrested and charged for demonstrating against oil companies in London. Now, activists protesting the return of asylum seekers to the Bibby Stockholm “prison ship” in Dorset have risked being run over, as a coach reportedly driven by private security ploughed through their ranks. So yeah, UK democracy is going great, thanks!
Just Stop Oil activists blocked the only road access to the Bibby Stockholm on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, earlier today, as a coach arrived to transport refugees back to the boat. This follows an evacuation of the vessel in August, after Legionella bacteria was found in the water supply.
In the face of the demonstration, however, the government has continued to flex its increasingly draconian approach to political protest and human rights. While activists briefly stopped the coach carrying migrants to the barge, video shared by the direct action group Stop Deportations shows it driving through a group with obvious disregard for their safety, even as one activist falls to the floor. Onlookers can be heard urging the coach to “run them over”. Watch the video below.
Since the video was shared, Just Stop Oil has shared a statement, saying: “We are saddened to report that we were unable to halt transportation of refugees to the prison — the driver rammed through the block, risking killing those in front.”
The Bibby Stockholm is described by the UK government as “alternative accommodation” for refugees awaiting the outcome of asylum applications, and is designed to house (or detain) up to 500 people. Critics, including Stop Deportations, describe it as a “cruel, racist prison” where asylum seekers are held against their will. “People deserve homes and dignity, not detention.” With doubts raised about the safety of the vessel, it’s also been called a “tragedy waiting to happen”.
Those returning to the Bibby Stockholm recently told the Guardian that they were scared by the prospect of being made to live on the barge, but couldn’t resist authorities as it may lead to the rejection of their asylum applications. Just Stop Oil, as well as local residents, organised the demonstration to resist the return of refugees to the barge and show them “love and solidarity”.
“We know that our governments plan for new oil and gas is going to lead to more people being displaced from their homes. Forced from where they have lived for generations due to the actions of our failing politicians,” says the activist group. “People coming to the UK must [be] met with common humanity, and not housed in prison ships. Not on our watch. Responding to displaced people with cruel schemes like Bibby Stockholm, the Rwanda plan, or filthy barrack housing is not a solution.”
The statement goes on to highlight the role of the government’s current climate policy in this process of displacement. “The best way to prevent people from being forced out of their homelands is to stop our governments from planning and implementing climate disasters, while protecting peoples right to move and seek safety,” it says. “The first step is stopping new oil and gas.”