Key facts
- Requests to land 120 migrants intercepted off the Isle of Wight were refused by both Portsmouth harbour and Southampton Port.
- The King's Harbour Master Portsmouth also declined a coastguard request.
- Associated British Ports stated Southampton Port lacked suitable reception facilities and was not the closest port.
- The RNLI is working to understand the decision to deny access and expressed disappointment.
- Migrants were eventually brought ashore at Eastney, Portsmouth, leading to protests and a stand-off.
- Portsmouth City Council described the Eastney landing site as unsuitable and disruptive.
Requests to land RNLI boats carrying 120 migrants intercepted off the Isle of Wight were refused by both Portsmouth harbour and Southampton Port. Associated British Ports (ABP), which operates Southampton, stated it was not the closest port and "did not have suitable reception facilities available." The King's Harbour Master (KHM) Portsmouth also declined a coastguard request, though declined to comment on operational matters. The RNLI is working with relevant parties to understand the decision to deny access and expressed disappointment with the communication received by its crews. The migrants were eventually brought ashore in the vicinity of the Nab Tower, near Eastney, Portsmouth. Langstone Harbour Master Billy Johnson noted that while emergency services mobilized effectively, the public order aspect and the geography of the area made managing the situation challenging, especially with protesters blocking access. Portsmouth City Council stated that Eastney was a "completely unsuitable location to bring the boats ashore" and caused "needless disruption." Home Office minister Sarah Jones acknowledged that the department would "learn any lessons that we need to" following the weekend's events.