Two major ports in the United Kingdom, Southampton and Portsmouth, denied requests to land approximately 120 migrants on Sunday. The decisions were attributed to concerns over public order, logistical challenges, and the suitability of the designated landing areas.
In Portsmouth, a stand-off occurred at the Eastney peninsula, the sole location identified for the migrants' arrival. Demonstrators blocked the only road, preventing coaches from leaving the area with the migrants, a situation that persisted into the early hours of Monday. Portsmouth City Council stated that Eastney was a "completely unsuitable location to bring the boats ashore" and caused "needless disruption."
Billy Johnson, the Langstone Harbour Master, confirmed that the coastguard was overseeing a "search and rescue operation" and saw "no reason not to accept" the landing at Eastney. However, he cited difficulties in managing the public order aspect of the situation, which was exacerbated by the area's geography. Johnson noted the unusual and surprising speed of public reaction and mobilization, which hindered the coordinated efforts of emergency services, including the police, Border Force, coastguard, RNLI, ambulance, and fire service.
The King's Harbour Master and Southampton Port also declined to permit the migrants ashore on Sunday, mirroring the difficulties faced in Portsmouth. The coordinated response from multiple emergency services was effective in its mobilization but was ultimately impeded by the actions of protesters.