Portsmouth and Southampton ports denied requests to land 120 migrants intercepted off the Isle of Wight, citing lack of suitable facilities and proximity. Protests followed the decision, leading to a stand-off.
The refusal by ports to accept migrants and the subsequent protests highlight challenges in managing migrant arrivals and the strain on local resources and public order, raising questions about government planning and decision-making.
Portsmouth and Southampton ports have denied requests to allow RNLI boats carrying 120 migrants, intercepted off the Isle of Wight, to land.
Associated British Ports, which operates Southampton Port, stated that it was not the closest port and did not have suitable reception facilities available. The King's Harbour Master (KHM) Portsmouth also declined a request from the coastguard, though the KHM would not comment directly on operational matters.
The decision followed a protest at the Port of Dover the previous day. Migrants were recovered onto two RNLI vessels near the Nab Tower. The Langstone Harbour Master noted that the vessels were overloaded and would have travelled slowly, and that managing public order at the Eastney peninsula, the chosen landing site, was challenging due to its geography.
Portsmouth City Council described Eastney as a "completely unsuitable location" that caused "needless disruption." Protesters blocked a road at Eastney, leading to a stand-off that lasted into the early hours of Monday.
An RNLI spokesperson expressed disappointment with the decision and the communication with their crews. Home Office minister Sarah Jones said the department would "learn any lessons that we need to" following the weekend's events.