Politicians have condemned a blockade of the port of Dover staged by a group of anti-migrant protesters, who wore balaclavas and disrupted operations at Britain's busiest ferry terminal. The action, claimed by the hard-Right organization Patriot Platform, led to gridlock and miles of tailbacks on surrounding roads on September 5, 2026.
Videos circulating online showed demonstrators exiting a van and marching through Dover, chanting slogans such as 'Whose streets? Our streets' and 'Stop the boats.' The protesters were met by numerous police officers. Patriot Platform had initially announced intentions for a three-day disruption.
Robert Jenrick, a politician from Reform UK, and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds were among those who denounced the group's actions. Jenrick stated he understood public frustration with Channel crossings by migrants but expressed disapproval of individuals wearing balaclavas, calling it 'very intimidating.' He added that his party's policy is to ban such face coverings.
"I absolutely do [condemn it]," Jenrick told Sky News' Sunday Morning programme, comparing the protest to actions by groups like Just Stop Oil. "And I don't like people going around in balaclavas... But do I understand why people are extremely frustrated? Yes, absolutely. This needs to end. This farce of the small boats has been going on for far too long."
Jenrick also referenced an agreement signed by Nigel Farage and Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally, aimed at resolving the issue. However, he stressed that the method used in Dover was inappropriate and urged police to prevent similar occurrences.
Jonathan Reynolds also condemned the protest, stating that while peaceful protest is a vital part of British life, dressing in costumes and disrupting daily routines is unacceptable. He acknowledged that the situation was resolved but indicated it was not a desired or expected event in Britain. Reynolds declined to comment on the specifics of the police response, stating only that "on the whole, the police handled it very well."
Dover District Council leader Kevin Mills criticized the police for what he described as a slow response to what he called an 'exceptionally well organised' group. He told the BBC that the protesters appeared well-prepared, while the police seemed caught off guard, though he acknowledged the stretched resources of law enforcement. Mills noted the demonstration had 'caught several agencies on the hoof.'
Patriot Platform, founded earlier this year by influencer Danny Tommo (Daniel Thomas), has stated its goal is to 'take control of this country.' Following the Dover event, Tommo praised the protesters' 'organisation, discipline, dedication, and courage,' warning that 'This is only the beginning.' He later indicated a shift away from the planned three-day disruption, stating he was mentally exhausted and would schedule future meetings.
Tommo shared videos of the masked protesters, issuing a warning: '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. The group solicited donations of water and supplies for their supporters.
Tommo has a history of arrests and bans related to protests in Dover. He was previously arrested for aggravated trespassing and banned from Dover, Ramsgate, and Folkestone. He also admitted to entering a restricted area of Dover's harbour without authorization to film and confront arriving boats. He denies further charges, including alleged threatening and racially abusive behavior.
A government spokesperson acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but condemned the actions in Dover and the resulting travel disruption, thanking policing partners and travel providers for their efforts.
Councillor Chris Vinson, leader of the Conservative group on Dover District Council, described several hundred masked men arriving in rental vans and blocking roads, bringing the town to a standstill. He characterized the masked men in 'paramilitary gear' as 'extremely intimidating.'
Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, questioned the police's apparent lack of awareness regarding the protest, given its coordinated nature. He stated he would seek answers regarding the intelligence surrounding the event, noting that protests are typically anticipated and managed with adequate police resources. Tapp pointed out that blocking roads and wearing face coverings constituted law-breaking.
Kent Police responded by stating it was a 'spontaneous event and was policed accordingly.' No arrests were made, and officers escorted the protesters to Dover Priory train station, where many boarded a train to Ramsgate. Some protesters were subsequently seen in Sandwich, where police were present.
Thomas has described Patriot Platform as a 'resistance' movement, claiming tens of thousands of sign-ups. He has advocated for 'direct action' and 'boots on the ground.' The group's website states a need for individuals 'prepared to act' to defend Britain. Thomas has previously outlined plans for deploying boats in the English Channel and Port of Dover, combined with ground presence. He posted on X in May, stating, 'Together we will reclaim our borders, restore order, and send a clear message: Britain belongs to the British people and we are taking it back.' The group cites love of country, responsibility to families, and belief in Britain's future as motivations.