Key facts
- Government has directed police to improve intelligence gathering following far-right protests.
- Kent police admitted to mishandling warnings about a potential protest at the port of Dover.
- Hundreds of masked individuals participated in protests at Dover and Portsmouth.
- RNLI volunteers faced harassment and threats after rescuing asylum seekers.
- Protesters were reportedly well-briefed and coordinated to avoid arrest.
- Police are investigating potential road blockages and reviewing body-worn video for offenders.
Police have been instructed by the government to enhance intelligence gathering following far-right protests at ports in Kent and Portsmouth over the weekend. The Kent force acknowledged mishandling warnings about potential trouble, leading to surprise when hundreds of masked individuals converged. These protests are believed to have been inspired by anti-immigration sentiment, with participants reportedly well-briefed and coordinated to avoid arrest.
In Dover on Saturday, hundreds of masked men gathered undetected, with police suspecting the use of walkie-talkies for coordination. Sources indicated that protesters were aware of public order laws and acted to avoid arrest. In Portsmouth, police are investigating whether vehicles were deliberately used to obstruct access roads. While the Dover gathering was described as peaceful, clashes occurred in Hampshire, with anger directed at officers.
The RNLI reported that its lifeboat staff, who rescued 120 asylum seekers from a dinghy, were denied entry to two ports and subsequently harassed by right-wing protesters. Crew members were threatened with legal action if they attempted to bring the asylum seekers ashore at Southampton Port. The RNLI chief executive condemned the abuse of volunteers as "wholly unacceptable."
Officials confirmed that the Southampton Vessel Traffic Service and King’s Harbour Master Portsmouth denied the RNLI permission to enter their ports, citing a lack of suitable reception facilities. Protesters also attempted to identify RNLI volunteers online, sharing their details and making threats. The National Police Coordination Centre has increased its monitoring, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham met with police chiefs to discuss preparedness.