Masked anti-migrant activists blockaded Britain's busiest ferry port in Dover on Saturday, causing significant traffic disruption and drawing criticism from across the political spectrum. Hundreds of protesters, dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, descended on the port town, bringing operations to a standstill and catching police off guard.
Roads in Dover experienced gridlock for hours on Saturday morning, with traffic tailbacks extending for four miles. As a result, hundreds of holidaymakers missed their ferry crossings. Demonstrators were seen marching through the town chanting slogans such as "Whose streets? Our streets" and "Stop the boats."
The protest, believed to be organized by the Patriot Platform, a group associated with far-right activist Tommy Robinson, saw dozens of police officers deployed. Initial claims suggested the blockade could last for days, but the crowd dispersed around midday, with police escorting individuals to a railway station. No violence or arrests were reported.
Politicians from various parties condemned the disruption. Robert Jenrick, Treasury spokesman for Reform UK, described the event as "completely disgraceful." Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, stated he deplored the wearing of balaclavas at protests. Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, expressed frustration with "idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption." Local Tory councillor Chris Vinson called the "co-ordinated" demonstration a paralysis of the town, leaving many commuters and residents stuck.
"Having the path of your vehicle blocked by men wearing black paramilitary gear and balaclavas is extremely intimidating, especially when it's not clear why they're there," Vinson said, adding that police were not adequately prepared to warn the public or ensure safety.
Videos of the protest showed demonstrators linking arms to block the A20 road, chanting "Stop the boats." Tourists and travelers reported significant delays. Rafael Pittman, a tour guide from London, described the area as being in "absolute chaos" for three hours while waiting to pick up a group. Ferry passenger Remco van Schellen, arriving from the Netherlands, stated that leaving the ferry terminal by car was impossible for a period.
By later in the day, the Port of Dover announced that operations had returned to normal, and routes in and out of the town were reopened. Ferry operators P&O Ferries and DFDS stated they would assist passengers who had missed their scheduled crossings by getting them on the next available sailings.