Updated on September 7, 2026 / 12:39 PM EDT / CBS News
In London, anti-migrant demonstrations halted traffic at the Port of Dover, one of the busiest maritime passenger ports worldwide, over the weekend. The protest was part of a series of confrontational demonstrations in Britain.
Protesters, wearing masks and clad in black, blocked roads leading to the Dover ferry port on Saturday. They carried English and British flags and chanted slogans like “stop the boats” and “Christ is king.” This caused traffic backups stretching for four miles and affected ferry passengers and freight.
Kent Police labeled the event a “spontaneous protest” and made no arrests. However, local Labour Party lawmaker Mike Tapp disagreed with this view, describing the action as well-coordinated. “Policing requires preparation. This was organized, yet Kent Police had little warning,” Tapp wrote in The Mirror newspaper. He questioned why there was a lack of intelligence and whether additional officers, including those from the London Metropolitan Police, could be rapidly deployed.
The protest was orchestrated by Patriot Platform, a far-right group led by anti-immigrant social media influencer Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo. He is associated with far-right activist Tommy Robinson, who has received support from Elon Musk. Thomas praised the Dover action on social media, stating, “A message was sent!” He claimed lawyers were available to consult with police, and activists carried legal rights documentation. Kent Police has not commented on Thomas’ statements.
Dover remains central to Britain’s debate on “small boats” crossing from France. Despite a decrease this year, nearly 200,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel since 2021. The U.K. government, led by the Labour Party, condemned Saturday’s protest, acknowledging the fundamental right to peaceful protest but criticizing the disruption.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, denounced the protests on GB News, calling them “disgusting,” and opposed the use of balaclavas in any protest.
A Second Confrontation within 24 Hours
Within 24 hours, another anti-migrant demonstration took place in Portsmouth. A boat carrying around 140 migrants was intercepted offshore. The U.K. Coastguard and lifeboats participated in bringing the migrants to land in Portsmouth.
Thomas broadcasted live from Portsmouth, calling for more supporters. Videos online showed clashes with police as migrants arrived and were transported to a processing facility. Protesters attempted to block buses, while police officers kept them away.
Emma Reynolds, a cabinet member, condemned the behavior as “thuggish and intimidating” in an interview with BBC News.
Migration as a Political Flashpoint
Anti-migrant protests have become frequent across Britain in the past two years. Protests at hotels housing asylum seekers, along with related violence, have cropped up in several cities, including Glasgow and Belfast.
Tommy Robinson continues to draw crowds in London. At a 2025 rally, Elon Musk addressed Robinson’s supporters, warning of potential violence.
During 14 previous years of Conservative rule, and recent Labour governance, British governments have struggled to curtail the flow of undocumented migrants from France. More than 40,000 arrivals occurred in 2025. Government figures show a 43% decrease in crossings this year compared to the same period last year.
Despite reduced arrivals, the protests in Dover and Portsmouth suggest the issue remains contentious. High-profile activists keep the focus on migration, fueling public anger.