A council leader has attacked plans to house asylum seekers on barges in ports.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced in a speech that the Government had secured two barges that will each accommodate about 1,000 people to ‘reduce pressures on local communities’ and reliance on hotels.

The locations have not yet been confirmed, but reports have mentioned Middlesbrough, Liverpool, the Royal Docks in Newham, and Newcastle.

Newham LBC mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said: 'The Prime Minister’s actions are a cynical and repugnant response to the desperate plight facing people fleeing war, famine and torture.

'The Government’s flagrant disregard of international frameworks guiding the treatment of those vulnerable people fleeing persecution is inhumane.

'Currently, the asylum system is failing.

'Plans to shove hundreds and hundreds of vulnerable people on moored vessels is symbolic of the policy shambles of this Government.

'We have significant concerns about the impact that such living conditions will have on the health and wellbeing of those seeking asylum, especially children and young people.

'These plans will also have a calamitous impact on the services we can provide as a council.'