The British government has strongly criticized the intimidating and aggressive actions of anti-immigrant demonstrators who gathered at a port in southern England, where migrants were disembarking after crossing the English Channel.
A large group of protesters, many clad in dark attire and masks, confronted police in Portsmouth late on Sunday to obstruct lifeboats from bringing the migrants ashore. They also attempted to block buses transporting the new arrivals to an asylum seeker processing facility.
In response to the incident, the government emphasized the importance of peaceful protest within a democratic society while condemning any actions that incite disorder.
The protest in Portsmouth occurred following a similar demonstration where hundreds of masked anti-immigration protesters disrupted traffic and travelers at Dover, a key ferry port, the day before. Both gatherings seemed to be led by Daniel Thomas, an associate of veteran far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson.
The issue of migrants crossing the English Channel has been a challenge for successive U.K. governments, with over 40,000 people making the perilous journey last year. Politicians like Nigel Farage of the Reform UK party have labeled it a crisis, using it as a focal point for anti-immigration activism.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration credits enhanced law enforcement collaboration with France for reducing this year’s crossings by more than 40% compared to 2025. The boat carrying approximately 140 individuals to Portsmouth departed from Normandy, a significant distance from the usual departure points near Calais, France, making it a longer and riskier voyage.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency of Britain disclosed that lifeboats, a coast guard helicopter, and a plane were deployed in the operation to safely bring the migrants to land.