A group of 140 asylum seekers arrived in Portsmouth after undertaking what is believed to be the longest-ever Channel crossing by a small boat, originating from the Baie de Seine in Normandy. The journey, approximately 70 miles, required assistance from five French rescue vessels and two helicopters, raising concerns that people smugglers may be establishing new routes to the UK.
The dinghy, carrying 140 individuals including women and children, departed from an isolated beach near Jobourg, Normandy. French authorities stated they shadowed the vessel for ten hours due to its perilous state and the number of people on board, ultimately providing lifejackets and ensuring a second motor started before the boat continued towards British waters. This approach, described as a safety operation, allowed the vessel to reach UK waters where British lifeboats and aircraft took over for the final leg of the journey.
The arrival in Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon led to immediate protests. Demonstrators gathered on Eastney Beach, with some wading into the Solent to confront the arriving migrants. Later, approximately 500 people blocked roads near the beach in an effort to prevent buses from transporting the asylum seekers for processing. The protests continued into the early hours of Monday morning before riot police dispersed the crowds.
Donna Jones, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police crime commissioner, noted that a shift in migrant destinations away from Dover would present a significant issue for the country. The crossing is estimated to be more than double the usual distance to Dover, highlighting a potential new tactic by smugglers. Details of the extended voyage emerged as a senior French rescue operative described the initial difficulties faced by the dinghy, including motor failure.
The French Maritime Prefecture for the English Channel and the North Sea confirmed the unprecedented nature of the departure point and emphasized that the escort operation was for safety reasons, avoiding actions that could endanger lives during interception.
In response to the arrival and subsequent protests, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the French authorities' actions, stating that allowing boats to depart was not working. The protests in Portsmouth echoed similar demonstrations that occurred in Dover earlier in the week, where hundreds of anti-migrant protesters also blocked roads.
Government minister Emma Reynolds condemned the behavior of the protesters in Portsmouth as "thuggish and intimidating," while affirming the right to peaceful protest. Hampshire Constabulary implemented a dispersal order in the area to manage the situation and prevent further disorder. Border Force confirmed that individuals would be transported outside of Hampshire for processing.