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UK minister on anti-migrant protests
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The gist
UK minister Emma Reynolds condemned anti-migrant protesters in Portsmouth as "thuggish" after 140 migrants arrived. The protests follow a Dover demonstration, highlighting tensions over Channel crossings.
Background
The protests occurred after 140 migrants crossed the English Channel from France, arriving in Portsmouth. This is part of a broader pattern of small-boat crossings that successive UK governments have struggled to curb. The government has noted a 43% drop in arrivals this year, but the number per boat has increased.
How it unfolded
- Sep 5, 2026Masked protesters disrupted traffic at the port of Dover, chanting 'Stop the boats', causing a four-mile traffic jam and halting ferry traffic.
- Sep 6, 2026Hundreds of protesters blocked streets in Portsmouth after 140 migrants arrived from France, responding to calls from far-right groups.
- Sep 7, 2026UK minister Emma Reynolds condemned the protests as 'thuggish and intimidating', saying police brought them under control.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The government condemned the protests as 'intimidating and thuggish' but affirmed the right to peaceful protest.
- Protesters
- Protesters, influenced by far-right groups, aimed to stop migrant arrivals, chanting 'Stop the boats'.
- Reform UK
- Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized the government's approach, saying only Reform will send boats back.
Still unverified
The claim that both Dover and Portsmouth protests were led by Daniel Thomas is from a single source (SCMP) and not confirmed elsewhere.