Far-right masked protesters clash with police in Portsmouth after migrant boat arrival

Hundreds of protesters wearing balaclavas gathered in Portsmouth on Sunday night after a small boat carrying migrants arrived on the coast. The demonstrators shouted slogans such as “stop the boats” and attempted to prevent lifeboats from bringing the migrants ashore before moving to block buses heading to a processing centre. Police engaged with the group until early Monday, and an investigation was opened to identify individuals responsible for assaults on officers, vehicle damage and other offences. No arrests were made.

The protest was organized by the Patriot Platform, a group described by its leader Daniel Thomas as a Christian “army of patriots” acting out of concern for children and the nation’s future. Thomas, previously convicted of attempted kidnapping, has ties to far-right activist Tommy Robinson. HOPE Not Hate, an organization that monitors extremist activity, said the incident illustrates a rising trend of anti-migrant vigilantism.

A comparable demonstration took place in Dover on Saturday, where masked men linked arms across a main road, causing a four-mile traffic jam. Kent Police also reported no arrests and are investigating the incident.

The UK Home Office condemned the “intimidating and thuggish behaviour” in Portsmouth, emphasizing that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, it must not devolve into disorder. Migration remains a contentious issue in Britain, even as the number of small-boat crossings has fallen to its lowest level since 2020.

Political figures responded to the protests. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who has framed small-boat crossings as an “invasion,” criticized the use of balaclavas, calling the tactics “disgusting.” Labour MP Mike Tapp described the demonstrators as “idiots” and urged them to return home.