Anti-Migrant Protests Erupt in Portsmouth Following Record Channel Crossing

Police are investigating disorder in Portsmouth after several officers were injured and vehicles damaged during a protest on Sunday night. The unrest was sparked by the arrival of a large dinghy carrying between 120 and 140 migrants who had traveled from Normandy, France. This crossing is believed to be the longest ever made by human traffickers, as the boat departed from the west of the Baie de Seine to avoid interception. Around 200 people, some wearing masks, blocked roads near the Eastney Landing ferry port in an attempt to stop the migrants from being transported to the Manston processing centre in Kent.

Policing Minister Sarah Jones described the disorder as intimidating and thuggish, stating that those who cross into illegality will face the full force of the law. Treasury minister Emma Reynolds also condemned the behavior, asserting that the demonstration had crossed the line of peaceful protest. In contrast, shadow home secretary Chris Philp stated that the events should be a wake-up call for the government, arguing that millions of people across the country feel angry about large-scale illegal immigration. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warned that the country is on the edge of serious civil disturbance while calling for protests to remain peaceful.

Daniel Thomas, an associate of Tommy Robinson, livestreamed from the scene and encouraged supporters to block the roads. The protests followed a similar demonstration on Saturday at the Port of Dover where masked men caused major disruption. Portsmouth City Council leader Steve Pitt said the decision to bring migrants to shore in the area caused needless disruption, and the council stated the Home Office has serious questions to answer regarding that decision. The migrants were eventually transported outside of Hampshire for processing in the early hours of Monday.