Portsmouth Protests Erupt: Hundreds Block Migrant Transport After Small Boat Arrival

Hundreds of protesters descended on Portsmouth today, aiming to block the transport of migrants who arrived by a small boat from being taken to a processing center in Kent. The demonstrators gathered near Eastney Marina, attempting to barricade routes away from the area and pledging to remain overnight.

The dinghy, reportedly carrying around 140 migrants, triggered a significant emergency response as it approached the coast.

Helicopters, aeroplanes, and lifeboats were deployed to the scene.

Social media footage captured groups of individuals being brought ashore by lifeboats near the ferry port, where several coaches were waiting.

Over 500 demonstrators joined the protest, with some donning all-black attire, reminiscent of those who recently blocked the Port of Dover during a similar anti-illegal migrant protest. Large crowds disrupted traffic on roads leading from the port, and photographs show police officers, equipped with riot shields, forming blockades. Hampshire Police advised the public to avoid the area and confirmed that a dispersal order was in effect.

Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo and an associate of a prominent right-wing activist, livestreamed from Eastney beach. He declared, "Roads are all blocked, they are never going to be able to leave here." Thomas added, "It was only yesterday (at the protests in Dover) when we warned them that we will not accept this any more, and that this is no longer an option to tell us that the boat numbers are down.

This isn't about the numbers being down… this is about understanding that this has to come to an end now.

Cllr George Madgwick, leader of Reform UK in Hampshire, also posted on X, stating that

over 100 migrant men" had arrived in Portsmouth.

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