Patriots protest unchecked migration in Portsmouth, face off with police after migrant boat arrival
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Hundreds of concerned citizens from the Patriot Platform blocked roads and confronted police in Portsmouth to protest the arrival of more migrants. A similar demonstration took place in Dover, prompting investigations but, notably, no arrests.
On Sunday night, Portsmouth became the site of a major protest as hundreds of demonstrators, many wearing balaclavas to protect their identities, gathered in response to yet another small boat carrying migrants landing on the British coast. The protesters, organized by the Patriot Platform, chanted slogans such as “stop the boats” and attempted to halt lifeboats from bringing in more migrants, before moving to block buses transporting them to a processing centre. Police engaged with the group into the early hours of Monday, opening an investigation into alleged assaults on officers, vehicle damage, and other incidents. Despite the tense situation, no arrests were made.
The protest was led by the Patriot Platform, whose leader Daniel Thomas described the group as a Christian “army of patriots” acting out of concern for the nation’s children and future. Thomas, who has previously faced legal challenges, is known for his association with prominent activist Tommy Robinson. While left-wing organizations like HOPE Not Hate have tried to paint the protest as extremist, many see it as a legitimate response to the government’s failure to control the borders.
A similar demonstration took place in Dover on Saturday, where masked men linked arms across a main road, causing a four-mile traffic jam as a form of protest. Kent Police also reported no arrests and are investigating the incident.
The UK Home Office condemned what it called “intimidating and thuggish behaviour” in Portsmouth, insisting that protests must remain peaceful. However, many believe that the government’s weak border policies have left citizens with no choice but to take action themselves, even as official figures show small-boat crossings have decreased to their lowest level since 2020.
Political leaders weighed in: Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, who has long warned about the dangers of unchecked migration and described the crossings as an “invasion,” criticized the use of balaclavas as “disgusting.” Labour MP Mike Tapp dismissed the demonstrators as “idiots” and told them to go home, showing the establishment’s disregard for ordinary citizens’ concerns about the future of their country.