Hundreds of protesters, many wearing balaclavas and black clothing, blocked roads leading to the Port of Dover on Saturday morning in what is believed to be an anti-migrant demonstration. The blockade caused traffic disruptions and led to warnings of delays for holidaymakers using the ferry terminal.
Kent Police confirmed officers were responding to a public order incident and engaging with the demonstrators. The group is thought to be far-right activists protesting against the number of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats.
P&O Ferries alerted passengers to potential disruptions, stating that those who missed their scheduled departures would be accommodated on the next available sailings. Videos and images circulating online showed a significant number of protesters occupying roads around the port.
One commuter, Nathan Ditchburn, reported that approximately 300 individuals arrived around 6:45 a.m., blocking all entrances and exits to the port area, including Jubilee Way. The protesters are reportedly linked to Patriot Platform, a far-right group established in June by Danny Thomas, an associate of Tommy Robinson. Thomas has described the group as a "resistance" movement and has advocated for supporters to engage in "direct action."