Politicians Condemn Masked Anti-Migrant Protesters Blocking UK's Port of Dover

Politicians condemned the anti-migrant blockade at the Port of Dover on Saturday, with protesters warning of further action.

Hundreds of masked individuals, many dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, blocked roads leading to Britain’s busiest ferry port, causing hours-long gridlock and miles of tailbacks. The disruption halted ferry traffic between France and the UK, with the National Highways agency reporting a 6.4km traffic jam. Patriot Platform, described as a hard-Right organization, claimed responsibility for the march and had initially vowed to cause disruption for three days.

Protesters chanted stop the boats and send them back. Reform UK's Robert Jenrick and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds condemned the intimidating group, though Jenrick also stated he understood the frustration regarding Channel migrant crossings. Dover District Council leader Kevin Mills criticized police for their slow response to the exceptionally well organised group. Kent Police stated officers were dealing with an ongoing public order incident and were engaging with protesters, eventually moving them onto trains out of Dover port.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government condemned the behavior and travel disruption, asserting it went beyond peaceful protest. The Labour Party government reiterated that while peaceful protest is fundamental, they condemned the behavior. The Port of Dover, located about 110km southeast of London, handles approximately 15,000 passengers daily during the summer and over a third of the UK's trade goods with the European Union.