‘Thuggish’ Behaviour: UK Govt Condemns Protests Over Channel Migrant Arrivals

The UK government has condemned the “thuggish and intimidating behaviour” of anti-immigrant protesters who confronted police and attempted to prevent migrants from being brought ashore in Portsmouth after crossing the English Channel.

Hundreds of demonstrators, many dressed in black and wearing masks, gathered near Eastney Beach late Sunday after a small boat carrying about 140 migrants reached the Hampshire coast. Protesters blocked roads and attempted to stop lifeboats from bringing the migrants ashore before trying to prevent buses taking them to the Manston asylum processing centre in Kent. Police eventually cleared the demonstrators after several hours, with the standoff continuing into the early hours of Monday.

Treasury minister Emma Reynolds condemned the protesters, saying the right to peaceful protest is fundamental but that it must not cross into disorder. The government also thanked emergency services for safely managing the situation.

The Portsmouth demonstration followed a similar protest in Dover on Saturday, when hundreds of masked, black-clad demonstrators blocked roads leading to Britain's busiest ferry port. The action disrupted traffic and affected travellers and freight vehicles heading to France. Kent Police said no arrests were made and the port later returned to normal.

Both demonstrations have been linked to Daniel Thomas, known as “Danny Tommo”, an associate of far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Thomas recently launched the Patriot Platform group and urged supporters to join the Portsmouth protest.

The Portsmouth arrival was unusual because the boat had travelled from Normandy, much farther west than the usual departure points near Calais, making the journey longer and more hazardous. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency deployed lifeboats, a helicopter, an aircraft and rescue teams, while Border Force and police also responded.

The protests come amid continued political tensions over Channel crossings. More than 40,000 people crossed the Channel last year, but the government says crossings have fallen by more than 40% so far in 2026 compared with 2025. The Home Office also says joint UK-French efforts have prevented more than 48,000 crossing attempts and led to the seizure of about 1,100 boats and engines since the election.

The government has signed a payment-by-results arrangement with France aimed at putting 40% more personnel on French beaches as part of efforts to curb dangerous small-boat crossings.