Protestors “will face the full force of the law” as police hunt to identify offenders who injured officers and damaged cars in anti-migration protests in Dover and Portsmouth.
Police minister Sarah Jones said authorities had the government’s full backing “in taking any necessary step to uphold public safety,” telling the Commons that there was “no excuse for threatening behaviour or serious disruption.”
Hampshire and Isle of Wight police said on Monday that “a number of police, Coastguard and Border Force vehicles were damaged” after hundreds of far-right demonstrators descended on Portsmouth.
“A small number of officers were treated at the scene for injuries, but no-one in attendance from any agency or the public was seriously injured.”
Ms Jones said far-right protesters who “cross the line from peaceful protest into illegality will face the full force of the law”
No arrests have been made so far, but police have launched an investigation to identify offenders responsible for any assaults to officers, criminal damage to vehicles, or other criminal offences.
It comes after Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson urged those attending protests to “do it the right way” and condemned “attacks on our police”.
Key Points
- Anti-migrant protestors will 'face the full force of the law'
- Hundreds of demonstrators in overnight standoff against police in Portsmouth
- 'Thuggish and intimidating' protest in Portsmouth 'has crossed the line', minister says
- Danny Tommo interrupts interview with Zia Yusuf at Reform UK conference
- Lee Anderson supports border protesters who 'do it the right way'
Watch: Danny Tommo confronts Zia Yusuf
19:45 , Harriette BoucherPolice forced to use batons and pepper spray against demonstrators
19:25 , Harriette BoucherPolice were forced to use batons and pepper spray against the anti-migrant protestors in Portsmouth, police minister Sarah Jones said.
She said officers were faced with around 200 protestors and used a dispersal notice, which allows them to order individuals to leave an area.
“Many of these protesters were dressed in all black and wearing face masks,” she said.
“Officers were forced to use batons and pava spray to maintain order in the face of some aggression.
“Officers worked through the evening and into the early hours of the morning, and at around 4am protesters began to disperse.”
NPCC says police given no notice about anti-migrant protests
19:10 , Harriette BoucherCommunities need to understand how police react to protests when they have little or no notice about what is planned, the chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council has said.
Gavin Stephens told PA: “We’re here to facilitate peaceful protests to enable people to have their voice when they’re unhappy or need to raise a point, but of course what we will never tolerate is criminality, illegality, disruption to the life of communities.
“In recent times we’ve seen damage to police vehicles, we’ve seen police officers injured, so we have to take action.
“We need the support of the public in doing so as well. We try our very best to anticipate what’s happening, but if those that want to organise protests don’t tell us about it, don’t give us advance notice, clearly we’ve got to respond as quickly as we can.”
Mr Stephens said that some protesters will engage with police to organise demonstrations in advance, while others stage action last minute.
“Those that want to disrupt the life of the community and do so on a sort of flash basis, an urgent basis, clearly we’re responding to that with what intelligence we might have, sometimes very little advance notice.
“Of course we move as quickly as we can but sometimes we might be reacting and I think communities need to understand that.”
Outside forces deployed in Kent and Hampshire
18:53 , Harriette BoucherOfficers were sent from outside forces to help in Kent and Hampshire where anti-migrant protests took place over the weekend, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said.
An NPCC spokeswoman said: “Policing is committed to upholding and facilitating the right to lawful and peaceful protest, however, we will not tolerate these rights being used to commit crime, particularly where that involves causing damage, disorder or serious disruption.
“Nationally, we have been supporting Kent Police and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary over the last few days in their response to recent events in their force areas.
“Mutual aid is routinely used to mobilise officers across the country to ensure public safety, which was utilised over the weekend.
“Policing continues to work with partners and the Home Office to develop its tools and tactics in response to serious disorder and has made significant improvements in recent years so policing can quickly and effectively deploy officers and teams around the country if needed.”
Officers pushed off motorbikes during anti-migrant protests
18:37 , Harriette BoucherTwo officers were pushed off their motorbikes during anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth, Hampshire Police Federation said.
The force said that other officers, including a rookie who had finished training school only three days earlier, had stones and bricks thrown at them.
Spencer Wragg, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, added: “It appears that the police last night became the target for some of the protest.
“Thankfully there are no serious injuries to officers, but the professionalism they showed in the face of provocation and immense pressure was admirable. Those scenes in that area of Portsmouth weren’t protests, they weren’t protests at all, it was clear that some people were intent on disorder and venting their frustrations.
“If people have a point to make, and an issue they want to legitimately protest about, that is not about assaulting officers, that is not about damaging vehicles or anything like that. That is just disorder.
“One of policing’s key roles is to protect people’s right to protest, and having been a public order officer for 30 years myself, I’ve policed numerous protests. The vast majority of protests and people attending protest do so peacefully and want to get their view across.
“What we saw last night and into the early hours of this morning doesn’t support the cause of those peacefully protesting, it was merely criminal behaviour of assaults, damage and intimidation.”
Protestors in Dover were from 'far-right racist platform'
18:28 , Harriette BoucherA “far-right racist platform” was behind the anti-migrant protests in Dover, the police minister has said.
Sarah Jones said the South East Patriots group “clearly organised” the demonstrations, adding: “I think it's part of Patriot Platform, which is a kind of far-right racist platform.”
Meanwhile in Portsmouth, she said, the protests were “a mix of local people who were very concerned, as well as bad actors who were whipping up activity online and responding in kind.”
Protests 'must be wake up call' for government - Tories
17:58 , Harriette BoucherThe shadow home secretary has called on the government to take more action on small boat crossings, saying protests in Dover and Portsmouth “must be a wake up call”.
Speaking in the Commons, Chris Philp condemned the anti-migration demonstrations, but said “millions” of people across the country rightly feel angry about large-scale illegal immigration.
“When the system is being abused on this scale, it is no wonder people get angry,” he said.
Government will be 'unrelenting' in response to people smuggling gangs
17:49 , Harriette BoucherThe government “must and will be unrelenting” in its response to people smuggling gangs, the police minister has said.
Sarah Jones told the Commons that the government will be alert to any shift in tactics by the gangs and crossings on less frequently targeted stretches of water off the coastline.
“The gangs are never going to go quietly,“ she said.
“They are responding to the impact our work is having, and we will adapt in turn, both in terms of our enforcement, in partnership with France, and in terms of our response here.
“Our priority will always be the safety of the British people. As such, we will continue bearing down on small boat crossings and the criminal gangs behind them, as we deliver the strong, secure borders the people of this country expect and deserve.”
Law-breaking protestors will 'face the full force of the law'
17:43 , Harriette BoucherPolice minister Sarah Jones has said protestors who taking part in illegal behaviour “will face the full force of the law”.
“This government condemns the intimidating and thuggish behaviour shown by some of the protesters this weekend,” she told the Commons.
Ms Jones said authorities had the government’s full backing “in taking any necessary step to uphold public safety and maintain the peace.”
She added: “Peaceful protest is a fundamental part of our democracy, and it must be defended, but so too is the right of other citizens to go about their lives without undue interference, and there can be no excuse for threatening behaviour or serious disruption.
“None of this is to in any way minimise the very valid concerns that law-abiding people have when they see vile criminal gangs exploiting our nation's generosity and people making illegal and unnecessary journeys to reach this country.”
She said no arrests were made overnight, but investigations were ongoing, adding that “where criminality is identified, those responsible should expect to face the consequences.”
Police minister addressing Commons on anti-migration protests
17:32 , Harriette BoucherPolice Minister Sarah Jones is now addressing the House of Commons on the anti-migration protests over the weekend.
She will take questions from MPs about the clashes in Dover and Portsmouth, which the government has condemned as “thuggery”.
Protestors 'waded through water' to avoid police
17:16 , Harriette BoucherProtesters were “wading through the water” to prevent police from stopping them on Sunday night, an onlooker has said.
Grandfather Barry John-Williams, 69, who was watching from his caravan at Eastney, told the PA he was returning from watching seals in his small rib boat when he spotted “big offshore lifeboats” and “a lot of police barges” and then noticed vessels “full of migrants”.
“Then obviously it got on Facebook and then all the protesters from all over the South, like they said there was some from Gatwick … came here, and were just wading through the water, and yeah, then it started to get a bit nasty.”
He added: “The main guy who I think his name’s Danny on, you know, like YouTube, I guess, and he was saying like, you know, ‘don’t engage with the police and stuff’.
“But then, unfortunately, along with them, are all the idiots with masks up who want to smash the vehicles up, and they put all concrete blocks in the road and stuff.”
More than 600 migrants arrived on eight boats yesterday, says Home Office
16:31 , Harriette BoucherSome 625 people arrived in the UK on Sunday, Home Office figures released this afternoon have shown.
They crossed the English Channel on eight boats and were brought to shore at Dover and Portsmouth.
The figures includes individuals who are detected on arrival in the UK or are detected in the channel by authorities and subsequently brought to the UK.
There were no arrivals in the six days prior, according to the data.
Rupert Lowe claims hundreds have joined Restore today
16:17 , Harriette BoucherRestore Britain’s leader Rupert Lowe has thanked the hundreds of people he claims have joined his party today.
It comes after the ex-Reform MP praised far-right protesters in Portsmouth as “patriots” who were protecting their families and communities.
He promised that a Restore government would “hunt down and deport” the migrants that “invaded our country yesterday, regardless of what fake status the current administration has granted them.”
Writing on X, Mr Lowe said: “If we're going to take back our country, we need to come together and make it happen. We will not let you down.”
Holborn and St Pancras by-election will be held on 8 October
16:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA by-election to replace former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras will take place on October 8.
The former prime minister revealed his plans to quit Parliament earlier this month, saying he felt it was the “right time” to step down and focus on new work on international affairs.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has expressed his interest in standing to replace Sir Keir, previously saying he was “excited” by the prospect of winning the seat and entering Parliament.
However, he will face a challenge to become his party’s candidate from local councillor Hamza Chowdhury, who has put himself forward for the Green nomination.
Mr Chowdhury said Holborn and St Pancras does not need “another MP who arrives during an election campaign” then “disappears once the votes are counted”.
Recap: Healey refuses to rule out tax rises as he warns Britain is paying the ‘Truss penalty’ on debt
16:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJohn Healey has refused to rule out further tax rises ahead of the Budget as he delivered his first major speech as chancellor.
The former defence secretary insisted the UK economy was “turning a corner”, but warned Britain has been paying a "Truss penalty" since the former prime minister’s disastrous 2022 mini-budget.
Mr Healey sought to present an optimistic assessment of the UK’s economic future, but delivered the speech as the war in the Middle East and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continue to have a major impact on the global economy.
You can read more below:
Healey refuses to rule out tax rises as he warns Britain is paying ‘Truss penalty’
Zia Yusuf says Danny Tommo interruption was 'respectful conversation'
15:55 , Nicole Wootton-CaneZia Yusuf has said “my parents did a reasonably good job of raising me to not be rude and walk away”, when asked about allowing Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, to interrupt a broadcast interview and speak for about 15 minutes.
The Reform UK home affairs spokesman was speaking to the media in a large huddle in Eastney, Portsmouth, after migrants had arrive there by small boat on Sunday, when Mr Thomas interjected.
Asked why the Patriot Platform founder was allowed to speak for so long after disrupting his interview, Mr Yusuf told reporters: “Halfway through? Genuine question. Have I cut any journalists off halfway through an interview?”
“It’s just my parents did a reasonably good job of raising me to not be rude and walk away when someone’s engaging with you, so that’s all I did.”
Asked what he thinks of Patriot Platform, Mr Yusuf said: “He obviously stood there and articulated views to me, my main job here today – I know I’m doing a lot of media – is to come and listen to people. That’s what I try to do: listen to their concerns.
He added: “You can play back the tape, you know, he articulated why he and his group are doing the things that he’s doing, he articulated that, you know, he was telling me that they haven’t done anything illegal, and he tells people it’s really important that they don’t do that.
“We obviously, I said it is really important that nobody attacks police, and he actually agreed with that.
“He was making his points respectively. I think it was a respectful conversation and I’m in favour – frankly, I’d recommend all politicians do that.”
Watch: Danny Tommo confronts Zia Yusuf
15:50 , Nicole Wootton-CanePatriot Platform will act as 'voting bloc,' founder warns Yusuf
15:45 , Nicole Wootton-CanePatriot Platform founder Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, told Reform UK’s home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf his group was going to be a voting bloc in future elections.
Speaking to Mr Yusuf after interrupting an interview in Portsmouth, Mr Thomas said: “What we’re doing right now is creating an infrastructure of men, not for violence, not to commit crimes, but to create a voting bloc.
“So, in 12, in 18 months’ time, we convert into a voting bloc, and that voting bloc will go to the most suitable candidate and to the most suitable party that is able to bring this country back into order.”
He added: “We’re going to give you the opportunity to do what you’re saying you’re going to do.
“But if your leader, your boss, slanders me, they’re going to push (us) into other parties. At the end of the day, I do like what… some (other) parties are doing.
“In reality, you have the best chances, you have the best speeches, but at the moment, it’s just words. We want that to become action.”
Watch: Riot police clash with protestors in Portsmouth after small boat arrival
15:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnti-crime bosses 'determined to do all we can to target, disrupt, and dismantle' people smuggler gangs
15:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAmid the renewed debate over small boat crossings sparked by the protests in Dover and Portsmouth, a National Crime Agency spokesman said: “We are determined to do all we can to target, disrupt and dismantle these gangs, however we can, wherever they operate.
“We know criminal networks will change their tactics as a response to law enforcement activity, but we are making it more difficult and costlier for organised crime groups to source equipment, more difficult to get it to the beaches, more difficult to communicate with potential customers, and generally more difficult for them to operate without coming into contact with law enforcement.
“This work is having an impact and we are confident it has contributed to a reduction in crossings.”
'There is never any excuse for violence against police officers,' Yusuf tells Tommo
15:11 , Nicole Wootton-CaneZia Yusuf told Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, to ensure there was no violence from his group towards the police.
Reform UK’s home affairs spokesman said: “I just want to make that really clear, just so that we’re really clear about this, right? There is never any excuse for violence against police officers who are doing their job. They are taking orders, and that is what it is.”
Mr Thomas said there was no violence in Dover and when questioned about his group’s masks and attire being intimidating said: “The reason people felt potentially intimidated was because of the faces covered. I’ve made that point very clear.
“The only reason they’ve done that is because no one wants to be labelled far right.”
Danny Tommo interrupts interview with Zia Yusuf at Reform UK conference
15:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe founder of the group behind the anti-immigration protests at Dover on Saturday has interrupted an interview with Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf in Portsmouth.
Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo – an associate of ring-wing activist Tommy Robinson – spoke to the Reform UK home affairs spokesperson at length, following Mr Yusuf’s at-times heated interviews with news outlets.
The Patriot Platform group has been criticised for wearing masks and all-black clothing in Dover across the political spectrum, including by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Mr Thomas, who founded Patriot Platform in July, dashed around the large crowd of reporters and said: “You have to understand, Yusuf, that what we’re trying to do and the reason the Patriot Platform has been created is not because of violence. We’re not looking to intimidate anyone.
“Let me start by first explaining to you why the men are wearing masks. As you know, and as Nigel knows, the left in this country target us massively. We have working-class men who are bricklayers, who are roofers, who are carpenters, who build the houses that you live in. They build the roads that you drive on. They do all of that stuff. The reason they’re covering their faces is because we know they’re going to be targeted.”
He added: “What Nigel Farage has done is not good. When you call people disgusting, yeah, you have to understand the reasons of why this is happening.”
Farage 'needs to be careful with his words,' far-right activist says
15:06 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe founder of a group of protesters who blocked roads in Dover on Saturday has told Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf his party leader Nigel Farage needs to be “careful with his words”.
Interrupting Mr Yusuf during an interview in Portsmouth following another protest on Sunday, Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, accused Mr Farage of calling protesters at the Unite the Kingdom rally in London earlier in the year “knuckle-draggers”.
Mr Thomas, who founded Patriot Platform in July, said: “You have to tell Nigel… we had a million people on the streets of London in every colour, every creed, every background, every ethnicity… he called us knuckle-draggers.
“I understand Nigel is going to be prime minister one day and I understand he has to set a standard, which will basically be that you know he can’t just come out and say everything’s great and these guys are fantastic, but Nigel needs to be very careful with his words.”
Mr Yusuf said he was at the scene to listen to people, and told Mr Thomas: “Nobody has done more to raise this issue, and taken a load of flack for it, than Nigel Farage.”
He added: “I will take that message, you have my word.”
Portsmouth ‘not set up’ for migrant boat arrivals if routes shift from Dover
15:00 , Bryony Gooch
Portsmouth ‘not set up’ for migrant boat arrivals if routes shift from Dover
Holborn and St Pancras by-election officially declared
14:53 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA by-election in the Holborn and St Pancras constituency has been formally triggered after former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer resigned his seat.
The government’s chief whip Anneliese Midgley moved the writ.
She said: “I beg to move that Mr Speaker do issue his warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new writ for the electing of a member to serve in this present Parliament for the borough constituency of Holborn and St Pancras in the room of right honour Sir Keir Rodney Starmer, who since his election for the said borough constituency has been appointed to the office of Steward and Bailiff of His Majesty’s three Chiltern Hundreds of Stoke, Desborough and Burnham in the County of Buckingham.”
The Tommy Robinson associate behind Portsmouth and Dover anti-migrant protests
14:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane“Something is about to go down and it’s about to send a f***ing shockwave,” said Danny Tommo, real name Daniel Thomas, in a firm rallying call to dozens of white men assembled in a housing estate park.
As the tattooed 37-year-old –wearing a skin tight t-shirt – set out his vision for his anti-immigration movement called Patriot Platform, every soundbite was met with a cheer from the gathered audience.
The patriotic army, Mr Thomas explained, was a new venture for men concerned over the safety of women and children. It came, he conceded, after his and others’ decade-long work in flying flags and “walking down roads” had not fulfilled his ambition.
But who is Danny Thomas, the man behind the protests?
The Independent’s Alex Ross has this report:
The Tommy Robinson associate behind anti-migrant protests
Portsmouth resident: migrant protest 'closest I've ever been to an insurrection'
14:26 , Bryony GoochA Portsmouth resident said the protest over migrant arrivals on Sunday night was “the closest I’ve ever been to an insurrection”.
Sue Dewey watched the Eastney scenes unfold from her balcony, and said: “It was a very surreal night, that was the closest I’ve ever been to an insurrection.”
The 68-year-old added: “I’m not a rebel, I’m not an agitator. I am very unhappy about the way things are unfolding, I think that it’s not great for this country – these people are illegal, they’re coming from a safe country, the French are enabling them, we’ve just given them a load more money to enable them even better.”
Ms Dewey told reporters: “They (the migrants) were held up for about 12 hours by the agitators. They didn’t let them go until about 4am.”
On Monday afternoon Ms Dewey was seen taking several life jackets which had been left on a gangway at Eastney.
She said: “They’re just sitting there, I mean the police have said somebody’s coming to collect them but they don’t belong to anybody.”
Ms Dewey said her neighbour took some life vests at about 7am on Monday which prompted her to think “we’ll get some for the (boating) club because the club’s been inconvenienced by this”, adding club staff had to stay on sofas there overnight because they could not leave the street.
Job losses at Jaguar Land Rover 'deeply concerning', minister says
14:15 , Nicole Wootton-CanePat McFadden said job losses at Jaguar Land Rover were “deeply concerning” and the government would “do everything we can” to ensure the business remained committed to the UK.
The Work and Pensions Secretary told the Press Association: “I know Jaguar Land Rover well, I’m a West Midlands MP and I know how important this company is to the UK economy and more specifically to the West Midlands regional economy.
“What’s affecting them at the moment is global factors. There’s increased competition from China, there are increased trade barriers for cars, they were also subject to a major cyber attack which was damaging for the company last year.
“These are obviously very concerning job losses. There’s 4,000 people facing a very uncertain future.
“If you look at Volkswagen recently announcing major job losses, this is not a specifically UK situation with the automotive industry.
“We’ll do everything we can to work with the company. I believe they are fundamentally a strong company, they’ve got an exciting future.
“I regret that they’ve had to make this announcement but it’s really important that we have a strong Jaguar Land Rover deeply committed to the UK in the future and that’s what the government is going to try to work with the company to achieve.”
Only crime committed in Dover protest was criminal damage to the road, Kent police say
14:10 , Bryony GoochKent Police said that the only crime committed during Saturday’s protest in Dover was criminal damage to the road.
In a statement Kent Police Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Brookes insisted the gathering by 200 people dressed in black and wearing face coverings was spontaneous.
He said: “We are of course disappointed with the significant traffic disruption for several hours on Saturday morning in Dover. We will always support people’s right to peaceful protest, and we will always seek to police proportionately, fairly, and reasonably. We do not take account of why people are protesting, or the rights, wrongs, or reasonableness of that as that is not a matter for the police.
“Saturday’s protest involving approximately 200 people developed rapidly and, based on the information available to us at the time, was treated in-line with national guidance as spontaneous.
“Officers attended, engaged directly with those involved, and worked to restore the free movement of traffic and access to the port. By midday those involved had dispersed, and normal traffic flows resumed, with traffic clearing fairly quickly. Extensive traffic management plans are in place given the frequency of disruption on the roads at the frontier.
“It is important we distinguish between conduct we find objectionable and disruptive and conduct which constitutes a criminal offence. The right to peaceful protest is an important part of our democracy and applies irrespective of the political views being expressed. Equally, that right is not unlimited, and if offences are committed, lawful police conditions are breached, or disruption crosses the legal threshold we will take action. Based on our current assessment, the only associated offence we are investigating is criminal damage to a road.
“There has been some discussion about the fact that protesters on Saturday wore face coverings. To do so is not, in itself, sufficient to establish a criminal offence. Police powers concerning face coverings have specific statutory requirements, and officers must satisfy those requirements before exercising them. There is no need to wear a face covering in Kent, if your plan is to peacefully express your views. We will examine the intelligence process, but it is important to note that we do not as a matter of course monitor peaceful protesters, and their political viewpoints are not taken into consideration.
“Moving forward, we will seek to identify and engage with those who attended to understand their future plans in a bid to support their rights to peaceful protest and balance them with the needs of the local community, who we remain steadfast in supporting and protecting.”
Farage: Country is 'on the edge of serious civil disturbance'
14:00 , Bryony GoochThe country is “on the edge of serious civil disturbance” Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said after protests broke out when migrants arrived in Portsmouth on Sunday.
But Mr Farage said there was a difference between the masked protesters in Dover and the “little old ladies in Portsmouth”.
In a video posted on X, he said: “Masked marches on the streets of Dover, and a huge, spontaneous protest on the streets of Portsmouth last night.
“You’d be right in thinking that this country is now on the edge of serious civil disturbance.
“Ever since 2020, when I first went into the Channel, up to the present day, I have warned that this would get out of control. I predicted an invasion, and boy, is it happening.
“(Previous governments) have failed us completely and utterly, and all they can do, all they can do overnight, is to attack little old ladies in Portsmouth who came out of their houses to say we don’t want this, we’re scared.”
He added: “But let me please say this: people wearing masks, dressed up in a similar type uniform to a paramilitary, is not going to solve this problem.
“There is a marked difference between what happened in Dover and what happened last night in Portsmouth, the only way we’re going to solve this is through the ballot box.
“This is a serious situation, it’s about to get significantly worse.
“The government needs to act, I suspect it won’t. But remember, peaceful protests good, uniforms and masks bad.”
Zia Yusuf arrives at Eastney Point where protests took place in Portsmouth
13:54 , Bryony GoochReform UK’s home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf has arrived on Eastney Point.
Standing on the windswept marina in front of a dwindling pile of orange life vests, and the jetty used by the migrants on Sunday, he said: “I’m here because Britain’s state has abandoned its primary responsibility of defending the territory of the United Kingdom and protecting the people of the United Kingdom.”
Life jackets removed from Eastney Harbour by bystanders
13:45 , Bryony GoochBystanders have started taking life jackets away from Eastney harbour where a boat carrying more than 100 migrants arrived on Sunday.
A large pile of orange vests were left near the gangway to the shore.
One woman was seen loading several into her car, telling reporters that she was driving them to the local sailing club.
Other men arrived individually and walked off with single vests.
Police affirm they're hunting to identify offenders who assaulted officers or committed criminal damage and other offences
13:27 , Bryony GoochHampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed on Monday afternoon that a group of around 200 anti-migration protesters had left Portsmouth at about 4am.
A number of police, Coastguard and Border Force vehicles were damaged during the standoff and a handful of police officers were treated at the scene for injuries, none of which were serious.
“Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest,” the force said in a statement.
“No arrests have been made at this time, however an investigation to identify offenders responsible for any assaults to officers, criminal damage to vehicles or other criminal offences has been launched.
“We can also confirm that Border Force has advised us that individuals from the boat have been transported outside of Hampshire for processing as part of the normal process after they were safely disembarked.”
Labour MP condemns 'aggressive behaviour' of protesters
13:15 , Bryony GoochDefence minister Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport, has condemned the “aggressive behaviour” of protesters over the weekend.
“I am appalled by the aggressive behaviour of around 300 masked protesters in Dover this weekend. I know that many in Plymouth will be understandably concerned about the risk of such intimidation and disorder reaching us here in the South West.
“The right to protest is a fundamental part of democracy, and it must be protected. However, there can be no place whatsoever for hatred, bigotry, or attempts to sow division in our society. We are a country that prides itself on tolerance, respect, and community these values will always be stronger than fear and hostility. Those who seek to stoke such division must be held accountable for their actions.”
Watch: Riot police clash with protestors in Portsmouth after small boat arrival
13:00 , Bryony GoochGrandfather had to deflate his own dinghy to stop protesters taking it
12:45 , Bryony GoochA grandfather said he had to deflate his own dinghy to stop protesters taking it after more than 100 migrants arrived in Portsmouth on Sunday.
Barry John-Williams, 69, said the protesters were “idiots” and some had offered him money to use his boat.
“He said: “They (protesters) were offering to pay me money to take the boat and I said look it’s staying there, and that’s why I deflated it. What they were going to do with it I don’t know.
“One of the idiots, I heard him say they thought the migrants might have come in this boat”, he added, referring to his own small 2.7 metre-long dinghy.
Mr John-Williams said the migrants were moored about 50 metres off shore in Portsmouth.
He said: “It’s a big bit of water to come across. I don’t know how many boats there were, you know, migrant boats.”
Mr John-Williams estimated three coaches were parked up waiting for the migrants, telling PA: “So there must have been 100 plus (migrants).
“I did circle the boats and was videoing them, waving to them, but then the police told me to clear off – I said ‘I’m only greeting them'”.
Jaguar Land Rover job losses signal an 'uncertain and concerning time' for workers, Downing St warns
12:35 , Bryony GoochDowning Street said the announcement of job losses at Jaguar Land Rover meant an “uncertain and concerning time” for workers and showed the impact of “challenging” global market conditions for the automotive industry.
The firm confirmed plans on Monday to axe 4,000 jobs across its global workforce over the next two years as part of efforts to slash costs by £1.7 billion.
Portsmouth Council lead criticises Home Office's 'poor judgement' after anti-migrant protests
12:30 , Bryony GoochLeader of Portsmouth City Council Steve Pitt hit out at “poor judgment” by the Home Office following anti-migration protests, and said Portsmouth was “a completely unsuitable location” to land lifeboats.
He said: “The Government needs to take more action to prevent small boat crossings. Clearly people are not happy with the situation and we respect everyone’s right to protest but it should be done peacefully and within the law.
“We are pleased the coaches were eventually able to leave Portsmouth early this morning to take people outside of Hampshire for processing in the normal way.
“The council wasn’t asked about the decision to land the lifeboats in Portsmouth. This was entirely a decision taken by UK Border Force, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Home Office.
“It was a completely unsuitable location to bring the boats ashore, this entire situation was avoidable and has brought needless disruption to our city.“I would like to thank the emergency services for their professionalism under very challenging circumstances.
“However, the Home Office has some serious questions to answer about their lack of planning, inconsistent decision-making and ultimately, poor judgement. They put people at risk. This cannot happen again.”
Pictures: Police speak to protesters in the water at Eastney near Portsmouth
12:15 , Bryony Gooch
Dorset Police issue social media warning as they attend anti-migrant protest
12:00 , Bryony GoochDorset Police has confirmed they attended an anti-migrant protest in Poole which had moved from Lake Drive to an area off West Quay Road late on Sunday evening.
Social media posts claimed that Poole and Weymouth were due to see migrant arrivals, but it is understood that no migrants arrived in Poole on Sunday.
The force has confirmed officers attended the protest but warned people to “exercise caution when reacting to unverified information being shared online or on social media.”
A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “We received a report at 10.27pm on Sunday 6 September 2026 of protest activity in the area of Lake Drive in Poole.“It was further reported that the group had left the area and protest activity was taking place in the area of West Quay Road in Poole.
“Officers attended to ensure people were able to exercise their right to protest legally and safely without causing significant or ongoing disruption.
“No offences or disorder was reported and the group dispersed by around 11.45pm.
“We would urge members of the public to exercise caution when reacting to unverified information being shared online or on social media.”
Lord Walney: Politicians excusing extreme protesters risk 'fanning a wave of unrest and disorder across the UK'
11:42 , Bryony GoochLord Walney, chair of the all-party parliamentary group on defending democracy, has condemned protesters in Portsmouth and Dover as roads have been blocked and disruption continues.
He continued that politicians excusing extremism because of sympathies risked fanning a wave of unrest and disorder across the UK.
“Protestors blocking roads to get their way is unacceptable whether it is the climate change activists outside parliament last week or those opposing immigration in Portsmouth and Dover. Politicians who excuse extreme protestors of either right or left because they sympathise with the cause risk fanning a wave of unrest and disorder across the UK.”
Protestors blocking roads to get their way is unacceptable whether it is the climate change activists outside parliament last week or those opposing immigration in Portsmouth and Dover.
— Lord Walney (@LordWalney) September 7, 2026
Politicians who excuse extreme protestors of either right or left because they sympathise… https://t.co/gSqDkNo6v6
Pictured: Police car damaged at Eastney Point following anti-migrant protests
11:28 , Bryony Gooch
Starmer adviser on political violence attacks politicians ‘who excuse extreme protestors because they sympathise with the cause’ after Portsmouth scenes
11:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Lord Walney, who was Keir Starmer’s Independent Adviser on Political Violence and Disruption, told The Independent: “This latest stand off in Portsmouth highlights the need for police and political leaders to respond firmly to illegal coercion and disruption no matter what the cause.
“Protestors blocking roads to get their way is unacceptable whether it is the climate change activists outside parliament last week or those opposing immigration in Portsmouth and Dover."
He added: "Politicians who excuse extreme protestors of either right or left because they sympathise with the cause risk fanning a wave of unrest and disorder across the UK.”
Lee Anderson supports border protesters who 'do it the right way'
11:00 , Bryony GoochThe chairman of Reform UK has expressed “full support” to those protesting borders in a peaceful way, but affirmed that his party would ban all face coverings in public and condemned attacks on police.
Lee Anderson said on social media: “I fully support the British people who turn up in huge numbers to peacefully protest just as the Pink Ladies have done over the migrant hotels. But Reforms policy is to ban burkhas, balaclavas and all face coverings being worn in public and we condemn attacks on our police.
“So please if you’re going to protest then be careful, do it the right way then you have my full support because the left are just looking for an excuse to label you all as far right thugs. You're not, you are decent patriotic Brits who've had enough.”
The Border Protests.
— Lee Anderson MP (@LeeAndersonMP_) September 7, 2026
There is no wonder British people are taking to the streets to vent their anger at the ongoing invasion by undocumented fighting aged males who have no right to be in this country.
I have spoken up every week since this invasion started during the last… pic.twitter.com/1m2t5zvEBV
Tories claim UK border is ‘wide open’ as they hit out at Labour and the French over Channel crossings
10:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the last 24 hours had seen “multiple violations of the UK border by mega dinghies full of illegal immigrants which the French authorities have allowed to depart”.
He also accused Andy Burnham and home secretary Shabana Mahmood of “boasting about French action, but hundreds of illegal immigrants arriving in just a few hours shows this is not working. Their weak approach is leaving our border wide open, with almost 20,000 illegal immigrants crossing so far this year. Only rough seas have prevented even more crossings.”
Healey refuses to speculate on tax rises at upcoming Budget
10:36 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
John Healey has refused to be drawn on questions regarding whether he will raise tax at the Budget
The chancellor is set to deliver his first Budget in October, amid challenging economic conditions and speculation he may raise taxes.
But asked about potential tax rises on Monday, he said: “if I respond to speculation now, that will only fuel more speculation, and it's quite right.
“And every chancellor would say that's for the budget, and I'll set out my plans and the future route for government for this country at that budget.”
Jaguar Land Rover announces 4,000 job cuts as chancellor makes pledges
10:36 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBritish car giant Jaguar Land Rover has announced 4,000 job cuts as John Healey gave his speech on a “new story “ for the UK economy this morning.
The cuts will happen over the next two years and are reportedly affecting office roles the most.
Five things we learned from John Healey’s first major speech as chancellor
10:29 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJohn Healey is now taking questions from the media.
Here are five things we learned from his speech:
• Chancellor John Healey stated the UK economy is "turning a corner" during his first major Treasury speech in Coventry.
• He pledged to control government spending, meet fiscal rules, and reduce borrowing to tackle inflation in the Budget.
• Mr Healey said: “The prime minister and I are in lockstep in our commitment to meeting the fiscal rules at the upcoming Budget, to balancing the books with a buffer to protect against uncertainty.
• Mr Healey acknowledged high debt interest costs while highlighting the nation's latent potential to embrace new technologies.
• He emphasised the necessity of fiscal discipline despite ongoing global uncertainties, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
