Authorities are searching for individuals involved in violent clashes during an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth, following incidents where police officers sustained injuries and vehicles were damaged. Policing Minister Sarah Jones strongly condemned the disorder, describing it as “intimidating and thuggish” and warning that anyone who crosses the line into illegality will face the full force of the law.
The disturbance occurred on Sunday night after approximately 200 demonstrators, some wearing masks, confronted officers in riot gear at the Eastney Landing ferry port. The protest was triggered by the arrival of 120 migrants who had crossed the English Channel from France in a single dinghy. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that while several officers required treatment for their injuries, none were reported to be seriously hurt.
A dispersal order was issued, granting police the authority to arrest anyone failing to comply with instructions. Despite the order, tensions remained high, with Spencer Wragg, chair of the Hampshire Police Federation, stating that officers had become direct targets, citing footage of individuals being pushed from motorbikes and vehicles damaged.
Portsmouth City Council criticized the Home Office for the decision to land the migrants in the area, with council leader Steve Pitt labeling the move as causing “needless disruption.” Local MP Dame Caroline Dinenage also accused the government of failing to provide adequate notice, which left officials unable to mitigate local fear and tension.
In the House of Commons, Minister Jones emphasized that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, there is no excuse for threatening behavior or serious disruption. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp condemned the violence but described the events as a wake-up call regarding public anger over illegal immigration. Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage urged protesters to remain peaceful, asserting that voting is the only path to a solution.
The coaches transporting the migrants managed to depart in the early hours of Monday, with Border Force confirming they were moved outside Hampshire for processing. Protesters attempted to block the convoy, aiming to prevent the migrants from reaching the Manston processing centre in Kent. Danny Tommo, an associate of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, livestreamed from the scene and called supporters to intervene.
These events follow similar disruptions at the Port of Dover on Saturday and come shortly after Prime Minister Andy Burnham met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss reducing small boat crossings. Although net migration has dropped to its lowest level since 2012 and arrivals are down 43% compared to the previous year, smugglers appear to be adapting by using larger “mega dinghies” to avoid detection.
Does anyone else find it strange that net migration is down 43%, yet tensions are this high?
I’m worried this heavy-handed response will only deepen the anger driving these protests in the first place.
Really? The local council blames the Home Office for ‘needless disruption’ after a riot breaks out?
Violence against police is never acceptable, no matter the protest’s cause. Accountability is essential.