The United Kingdom's Home Secretary has directed police to utilize all available powers to address anti-migrant protests that have caused significant disruption and fear.
Last weekend, two such demonstrations occurred in Dover and Portsmouth. In Dover, protesters wearing black clothing and face coverings blocked access to the Port of Dover, a critical national infrastructure point. The Home Secretary described the scenes as having a "fear factor" due to the attire of the participants, indicating "obvious malign intent."
In response to these events, police chiefs are actively considering the use of recently granted powers that allow for a complete ban on face coverings in designated protest zones. This measure is being contemplated to counter the intimidating element observed in the recent demonstrations.
Another protest occurred a day later in Portsmouth, where individuals blocked the sole road leading out of Langstone Harbour after the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) had brought ashore 120 migrants. The Home Secretary emphasized that the government expects police to "make full use of powers and to deal robustly with any criminal offences."
Authorities are also scrutinizing the emergence of a group identified as the "Patriot Platform," which is believed to aim at intimidating communities. Ministers are concerned about the potential for further demonstrations, as some local groups associated with this umbrella organization have called for more actions.
During a meeting with police chiefs, the Home Secretary urged for improved intelligence gathering and planning to prevent disruptions, referencing an earlier incident where Kent Police admitted to not fully assessing a warning about a potential demonstration in Dover before the port road was halted.
Deputy Chief Constable Andy Mariner, the National Police Chiefs Council lead for public order, stated that forces are continuously assessing and preparing for protests to ensure public safety. He affirmed that while peaceful and lawful protest is supported, "anyone committing criminal offences can and should expect police action."
Recent changes to protest legislation grant officers the ability to intervene more swiftly to end demonstrations that obstruct critical national infrastructure. The power to designate entire areas as face mask-free zones during protests is the specific measure police chiefs are now evaluating.
An "enhanced and co-ordinated" approach to intelligence gathering has been initiated to anticipate future events.