Hundreds of anti-migrant protestors gathered in Portsmouth on Sunday, clashing with police after approximately 140 asylum seekers were rescued from a large dinghy and brought to shore. Demonstrators were seen near Eastney beach chanting "stop the boats" and "enough is enough."
The protest is believed to have been organized by Daniel Thomas, an associate of Tommy Robinson, whose Patriot Platform group previously led a protest at the Port of Dover.
The group convened after a small boat carrying over a hundred migrants reached British waters around midday. The RNLI, HM Coastguard helicopter, and a plane were dispatched to ensure the safe arrival of the asylum seekers. Reports indicate that around 140 migrants were brought to Portsmouth, prompting protestors to attempt to blockade the port.
Police closed down the Eastney area as an estimated 500 demonstrators lined surrounding streets, attempting to prevent the asylum seekers from being transported to an immigration center. Some protestors were seen entering the water at Eastney beach, with Thomas reportedly urging supporters via social media to "get in your cars and get down here now."
Separate footage showed individuals delivering supplies to protestors via canoe, while others on land faced off against riot police, chanting slogans.
The dinghy had departed from the Bay of Seine and was reportedly shadowed for about 10 hours. French coastguard authorities deemed it unsafe to intercept the boat on the water, noting it was unusual for a vessel to depart from the Bay of Seine, a location approximately 170 miles from typical launch points in Calais. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed that lifeboats, a helicopter, an aeroplane, and rescue teams were deployed, alongside Border Force, Border Security Command, Hampshire Police, and South Central Ambulance Service.
Following their disembarkation, the individuals were met by buses. Cllr George Madgwick, leader of Reform UK in Hampshire, stated on X that "over 100 migrant men" had arrived. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage commented on the unusual departure point of the boat and asserted that his party would "send the boats back."
The incident occurs in the same week that Prime Minister Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron met to discuss efforts to reduce small boat crossings. Last month, a boat carrying a record number of migrants, believed to be over 230, successfully crossed the English Channel.
Earlier in the week, hundreds of protestors, some wearing balaclavas, blocked roads leading to the Port of Dover. These protestors also chanted "stop the boats" and some claimed links to Patriot Platform. Kent Police stated that the Dover protest was a "spontaneous event and was policed accordingly," and no arrests were made. The protestors were escorted to Dover Priory train station, with many seen boarding a train.
A Home Office spokesperson commented on the government's efforts to reduce dangerous small boat crossings, citing over 48,000 crossing attempts prevented and 1,100 boats and engines seized. The spokesperson also mentioned a deal with France to increase patrols on French beaches.
Hampshire Constabulary confirmed their presence in Portsmouth to prevent disorder and stated that a dispersal order was in place. They also confirmed that Border Force would transport individuals outside of Hampshire for processing.