Kent Police has acknowledged receiving information about potential protests the day before demonstrators blocked access to the Port of Dover, a situation that led to significant disruption. The force has initiated an independent review by the College of Policing to examine its processes and communications strategy.
Despite the advance warning, Kent Police initially described the protest as "spontaneous" and stated it had no intelligence suggesting a demonstration would occur. This contradiction has drawn criticism from local officials.
Edward Biggs, deputy leader of Dover District Council, expressed concern over the police's handling of the information, calling it "very worrying" and "really poor." He emphasized the reliance on police intelligence to inform the community and implement necessary measures. Kent Police, however, clarified that the information received "would not have prevented the lawful protest from taking place, nor the disruption experienced by the town, port and wider community."
Matthew Scott, Kent's police and crime commissioner, welcomed the independent learning review. He specifically requested that the review scrutinize how information is triaged and the communication strategy employed by the force during the event. Scott pledged to hold the chief constable accountable for any recommendations arising from the review, stating, "It is essential that we understand how this happened, and that lessons are learnt."
He further distinguished the review of police processes from the actions of officers on the ground, commending them for doing their best under the circumstances to end the disruption. The protesters themselves, when approached by the BBC, declined to speak to the media, though some indicated their motives with chants such as "send them back" and "stop the boats."
No arrests were made during the Dover protest. In the days following, however, eight boats carrying 625 people arrived on Sunday. Separately, in Portsmouth, officers were injured and vehicles damaged during a demonstration sparked by the arrival of 120 migrants, an event also linked to long-term anti-migrant campaigner Danny Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo. Mention of the protest was captured in images showing individuals in black clothing and face coverings blocking access to the port. Police officers were also visible among the crowd. Similar scenes of confrontation between protesters and police occurred in Portsmouth, where officers in riot gear faced demonstrators.