Politicians from various parties have condemned a blockade of the Port of Dover staged by hundreds of anti-migrant protesters on September 5, 2026. The demonstration, organized by the hard-Right group Patriot Platform, caused hours of traffic gridlock and miles of tailbacks. Protesters, many dressed in black with balaclavas, chanted slogans such as 'Whose streets? Our streets' and 'Stop the boats.'
Robert Jenrick, the Reform UK economic spokesman, and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds were among those who denounced the actions. Jenrick stated, "I absolutely do [condemn it]. I've always hated people obstructing other people doing their daily life... And I don't like people going around in balaclavas, which is obviously very intimidating." He acknowledged public frustration with migrant crossings but stressed that such disruptions are not the way to address the issue, referencing an agreement signed by Nigel Farage and Jordan Bardella aimed at ending the crossings.
Reynolds also condemned the protest, stating, "Peaceful protest – essential part of British life, but that's not dressing up in costumes like this and disrupting people's lives." He added that while he condemns the disruption, he also condemns the disruption caused to local people. He declined to comment on police preparedness, noting that "on the whole, the police handled it very well."
Patriot Platform, founded by influencer Daniel Thomas, claimed responsibility for the action. Thomas, whose real name is Daniel Thomas, had previously vowed to disrupt the port for three days. He praised the protesters for their "organisation, discipline, dedication, and courage" and warned that "this is only the beginning." However, he later indicated he was switching off due to exhaustion and would schedule further meetings for vetting and building the movement. Thomas shared footage of the masked protesters, stating, "It's time. Protect Our Country! And more importantly our women and children! This is our warning." Graffiti reading 'blood is on your hands' was also spray-painted outside a migrant facility.
Thomas has previously been arrested and banned from Dover, Ramsgate, and Folkestone for aggravated trespassing and admitted to entering a restricted area of Dover's harbour without lawful authority to film and shout at arriving boats. He denies five further charges, including alleged threatening and racially abusive behaviour.
A government spokesperson stated, "the right to peaceful protest is fundamental to our democracy, but we condemn the behaviour in Dover and the travel disruption it has caused." They thanked policing partners and travel providers.
Councillor Chris Vinson, leader of the Conservative group on Dover District Council, described the men as appearing in "paramilitary gear" and wearing balaclavas, calling the blockade "extremely intimidating." Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, questioned Kent Police's apparent lack of preparedness for the "co-ordinated" protest, noting that laws were broken by blocking roads and wearing face coverings. Kent Police, however, described the event as "spontaneous" and policed accordingly. No arrests were made, and protesters were escorted to Dover Priory train station, with some boarding a train to Ramsgate.
Thomas has referred to Patriot Platform as a "resistance" movement, claiming tens of thousands of sign-ups and promoting confrontational rhetoric. The group's stated motivations include "a love of country, responsibility to our families and belief in Britain's future."
