Lee Anderson has offered his “full support” to anti-migrant protesters in Dover and Portsmouth so long as they “do it the right way”.
Hundreds of demonstrators descended on Portsmouth over the weekend after migrants headed towards the UK coast on a small boat were brought ashore.
Riot police swarmed on the demonstrators after they blocked roads and vowed to stay all night shouting “stop the boats”. It came after a similar protest in Dover on Saturday, when masked protesters dressed in black blocked a major road out of the port.
The Reform UK chairman said on social media that it was “no wonder” people were taking to the streets to vent their anger about those they believed “have no right to be in the country”.
He warned that while he supported peaceful protest, Reform condemned “attacks on our police” and would ban all face coverings in public, including burkhas and balaclavas.
“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,” he said.
It comes as the government has condemned far-right protesters who blocked roads and faced up to riot police over the weekend as “thuggish and intimidating”.
Key Points
- Hundreds of demonstrators in overnight standoff against police in Portsmouth
- 'Thuggish and intimidating' protest in Portsmouth 'has crossed the line', minister says
- John Healey to deliver first major speech as chancellor
- Healey insists he has started to tell an 'optimistic story' about Britain's economy
- Healey refuses to speculate on tax rises at upcoming Budget
- Lee Anderson supports border protesters who 'do it the right way'
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.
John Healey sets target of doubling 'unicorn' firms in UK
10:21 , Nicole Wootton-CaneChancellor John Healey said he wanted twice as many “unicorn” firms in the UK and to make it easier for businesses to test new technology.
Mr Healey said: “So, I’m setting an ambition now to double the number of unicorn firms in this country.”
He said he would also aim to have “sandboxing” powers in place so businesses and innovators can test technology from pavement robots to drones to life-saving medical equipment, which he said regulation currently prevents.
A unicorn firm is a private startup company valued at over $1 billion (roughly £760m) that is not listed on a public stock exchange.
Healey vows to end 'consultation culture' in government
10:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Chancellor John Healey has promised to end the "consultation culture" in government in order to reduce the burden of business regulation.
"I will take an axe to the thicket of consultation, litigation, and administration that has a stranglehold too often on private investment", he said, adding: "I confirm today my commitment to reducing the burden of business regulation by 25 per cent by the end of this Parliament.
"I announce we will extend the reforms of judicial review from energy to all major infrastructure, so that vexatious legislation and vexatious litigation and challenge can't block economic growth."
Healey vows to ’take an axe’ to ‘stranglehold’ of regulation and litigation
10:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
John Healey has vowed to peel back business regulations in order to boost economic growth and private investment.
The chancellor vowed to “take an axe to the thicket of consultation, litigation, and administration” in his first major speech in the role on Monday.“
I confirm today my commitment to reducing the burden of business regulation by 25 per cent by the end of this parliament,” he said.
He also announced he will extend reforms of judicial review from energy to all major infrastructure in order to prevent “vexatious” legislation, litigation and challenges that block economic growth.
Healey announces £150m for fast-growing firms in the north of England amid 'permanent transfer of power' away from Whitehall
10:06 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJohn Healey said he would set out plans for “a permanent transfer of power and resources” away from Whitehall at the Budget.
The Chancellor said: “The next chapter of Britain’s growth story will be written in more places.
“That’s not sentimentality, that is supply-side economics. A transport bottleneck in South Yorkshire is too often invisible from Whitehall, but it can have a real impact on economic growth and on business investment decisions.
“That’s why, at the Budget, I will set out a roadmap to fiscal devolution, a permanent transfer of power and resources from Whitehall to our regions, with greater business rates retention for local councils and strategic authorities, grants from central government replaced by a share of local income tax for every mayoral strategic authority beginning in 2028.
“London, of course, is our powerhouse, but if our city regions could emulate the success of those in France or Germany, growth in our country would be transformed.”
Mr Healey also announced £150 million from the British Business Bank for fast-growing firms in the north of England and the creation of the “northern 500”, bringing together “the North’s most ambitious mid-sized businesses” in a group led by mayors.
'The next chapter of Britain's growth story will be written in more places’
10:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
John Healey has set out his ambition to bring growth to more places in Britain, as he boosts Andy Burnham’s commitment to boost northern economies.
The chancellor said communities have seen “a loss of belief that anyone in politics” as he promised a “fundamental shift”.
“A shift that starts with putting power and resources with local leaders to build infrastructure, boost private investment, and deliver local industrial strategies, supported by de-risking public investment that matches local needs,” he said.
“To unlock the potential of their region to do things in the best way that Whitehall can’t.
“And I am determined that the next chapter of Britain's growth story will be written in more places. That's not sentimentality; that is supply-side economics.”
Chancellor reiterates commitment to Rachel Reeves’ fiscal rules
10:01 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
John Healey has reiterated his commitment to the fiscal rules laid out by his predecessor Rachel Reeves as chancellor.
The rules ensure spending is marched by tax revenues and ensure national debt falls in relation to national income.
Speaking in his first major speech as chancellor on Monday, Mr Healey said fiscal discipline is his “priority” in the role.
“It underwrites every promise this government makes, and the prime minister and I are in lockstep in our commitment to meeting the fiscal rules at the upcoming budget,” he said.
“To balancing the books with a buffer to protect against uncertainty, to controlling borrowing, to bear down on inflation, and reducing long-term pressures on our public finances.”
Healey says Britain's growth trajectory 'has been weak'
10:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneChancellor John Healey said he would dedicate himself to making “Great Britain growth Britain again” with more investment, more innovation and more jobs.
Speaking at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, he said Britain’s “growth trajectory has been weak” and that this must change.
“It is central to my purpose as Chancellor,” he said.
Healey insists he has started to tell an 'optimistic story' about Britain's economy
09:58 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
John Healey is attempting to present a fresh message of hope about Britain's economy, insisting he has started to tell an "optimistic story" about the UK.
In a marked shift from the doom and gloom that characterised a lot of Sir Keir Starmer's messaging, the chancellor said: "When I spoke to my colleagues at the G20, I started to tell them a fresh story about Britain: an optimistic story, one of resilience, of pride, of huge latent potential of a country turning a corner.
"A country whose people and businesses and communities are ready to seize the opportunity of new technologies and new ideas.
"I talked about the trade deals with our allies, investment making Britain the place to do business. I talked about interest rates being cut six times since the election, borrowing at its lowest level in six years, growth still fragile, but the fastest in the G7 in the first half of this year, and productivity finally ticking up after decades of lagging behind our peers."
Healey pays tribute to Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves in first major speech as chancellor
09:51 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
John Healey has paid tribute to his predecessor Rachel Reeves and former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer in his first major speech as chancellor.
Healey, who served as defence secretary in Sir Keir’s government, said he would “build” on the work done under the previous administration.
“In the past week, this new job has taken me from my home constituency in South Yorkshire to the G20 meeting in North Carolina,” he said.
“And there, I was proud to have behind me the work begun by Keir Starmer to re-establish Britain as a respected voice among our allies, and the work begun by Rachel Reeves to recover Britain's fiscal discipline.
“I will build on both as Chancellor.”
John Healey delivering first speech as chancellor
09:49 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
John Healey has begun to deliver his first major speech in his new role as chancellor as he seeks to tell an “optimistic story” about Britain’s economy.
Speaking at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, the former defence secretary said: “What better place for me to speak with you today about this government's determination, our determination for growth, our belief in Britain's future, because the UK is home to nearly half the most innovative companies in Europe.”
He is expected to unveil a £150 million fund for fast-growing northern firms, amid a challenging economic backdrop.
John Healey begins major speech
09:47 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJohn Healey has opened his speech by praising his colleagues in the Treasury and speaking about his priorities for manufacturing in the UK.
John Healey expected to speak imminently
09:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJohn Healey is expected to begin his speech in Coventry imminently.
We will bring you all the latest in this blog.
Rupert Lowe praises 'patriot' protesters
09:32 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRestore Britain leader Rupert Lowe has praised protesters in Portsmouth as “patriots” after roads were blocked and riot police called on Sunday evening.
in a post on X he wrote: “Real bravery from those patriots peacefully protesting against the invasion in Portsmouth last night.
“Doing what is right to protect their family, their community, and their country.”
Real bravery from those patriots peacefully protesting against the invasion in Portsmouth last night.
— Rupert Lowe MP (@RupertLowe10) September 7, 2026
Doing what is right to protect their family, their community, and their country.
‘I want to see wealth creation’ John Healey to say as he tries to reassure nervous markets over economy
09:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBritain is turning a corner but must back wealth creation and ensure prosperity reaches every region if it is to solve its woes, John Healey will say in his first major speech as chancellor.
As he seeks to reassure nervous markets over Labour's stewardship of the economy, he will also argue fiscal credibility is “indivisible” from growth.
Laying out his vision on Monday just weeks before what is expected to be a painful Budget, he will say: “I want to see wealth creation in this country. I want to see businesses make a profit… (and) we need an active, accountable state at all levels to remove blockages and create the conditions for more investment.”
You can read more about what we are expecting to hear at 9:30am below:
‘I want to see wealth creation’ Healey to say as he tries to reassure nervous markets
Hampshire Police statement in full after Portsmouth protests
09:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “This evening, we have been working alongside and assisting our partners from Border Force, Maritime & Coastguard Agency and Portsmouth City Council at Eastney Marina following the arrival of a boat crossing the Channel.
“We have officers in the area to ensure the prevention of any disorder. We ask that people please avoid the area. A dispersal order is in place until tomorrow evening. Anyone who refuses to comply with the direction to leave the area is liable for arrest.
“We can also confirm that Border Force has advised us that individuals will be transported outside of Hampshire for processing in the normal way after they have been safely disembarked.”
In pictures: Protesters face up to police in Portsmouth
09:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Protesters gather in Poole amid anti-migrant demonstrations, reports say
09:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneProtesters reportedly gathered in Poole in Dorset on Sunday night after a small boat carrying migrants to the Hampshire coast was intercepted.
Demonstrators took to Poole Quay over fears the migrants could be brought ashore in Poole, according to the Bournemouth Echo.
Minister ‘wouldn’t take too seriously’ whistleblower claims that just 1% of asylum claims are genuine
08:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
A government minister has dismissed claims from a whistleblower that just one per cent of asylum claims in the UK are genuine.
An anonymous Home Office official told The Times that some asylum seekers use the “same script” once they arrive in the UK, and said it had become a “running joke” among colleagues that “hundreds” of Iraqi Kurds said they were in a relationship with the daughter of the prime minister of the Kurdistan region.
But treasury minister Emma Reynolds said she wouldn’t take the claims “too seriously”.
"I wouldn't take too seriously one person,” she told Times Radio. “What I will say is that, look, we know that there is an issue here. The British public do have legitimate concerns about levels of immigration. But this is interesting, under our government, only 38 per cent of asylum claims have been successful, whereas under the Conservative government, 77 per cent were successful.
“And let me just reassure you also that we have boosted the number of asylum policy caseworkers that work through these cases to speed up the system.”
Govt 'changing tactics' to deal with people smugglers, minister says
08:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA senior government minister has said the government is changing tactics as people smugglers shift their strategies by using larger boats.
In response to the protests in Dover and Portsmouth, Treasury Chief Secretary Emma Reynolds told LBC Radio: “This is thuggish and intimidating behaviour. This is not peaceful protest.
“Obviously, as a politician, I absolutely support people’s right to peaceful protest. But this crosses a line and I just want to take the opportunity to thank the police and other emergency services who have brought this under control.
“We do not want to see this kind of behaviour anywhere, frankly.”
She added: “The British people do have legitimate concerns about immigration.”
But “net migration is down” and “the level of boat crossings is at a seven-year low”.
She said the criminal gangs were changing their tactics to use larger boats “and we are changing ours accordingly”.
“We’re working in partnership with the French police. It seems that the people smugglers are also moving towards the west, towards western France, and we’re alive to that too.”
John Healey to deliver first major speech as chancellor
08:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
Chancellor John Healey is preparing to deliver his first major speech in his new role, weeks ahead of his Budget announcement.
The former defence secretary is expected to tell economic institutions to back northern firms as he sets out plans to grow the economy through an “active” state.
The British Business Bank will commit up to £150 million to a new fund “to get behind the most innovative and fast-growing firms”, he is expected to say.
“This is not sentimentality, it’s supply side economics.”
The fund will will offer investments of between £5 million and £15 million to help university spin-outs and other innovative companies across the North of England expand.
People traffickers shifting destinations could cause 'significant issue' for govt, police chief says
08:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner Donna Jones told the BBC’s Today programme it will be a “significant issue” for the government if people traffickers shift their destinations across England’s south coast.
Following overnight protests in Portsmouth after the arrival of around 140 migrants, she said “we’re not set up for it” in the city and the government has “invested heavily into Dover” to deal with the situation there.
The police and crime commissioner said: “We have hundreds of miles of coastline across southern England and if Dover is no longer the destination of choice, and instead there is going to be a spread across southern England, this is a significant issue for the government.
“My concern now, as a police and crime commissioner, is that we don’t have this repeated.”
Policing anti-migrant protest required support from forces across the country, police chief says
08:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe migrant protest in Portsmouth put pressure on the emergency services and required support from forces across the country, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) said.
Donna Jones said the Government needed to act to counter changing patterns from people traffickers shifting away from crossings at the Strait of Dover.
The Conservative PCC said: “Last night we had mutual aid, public order police officers sent from police forces across the country including the Metropolitan Police Service.
“We also had a number of our own police officers, obviously, from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary trying to take back control of the roads, forming a line and holding a few hundred protesters back.
“This is just the start, if this continues, these numbers will grow from the protesters.”
She said “largely they were peaceful, they were making their point that they don’t want Portsmouth to become a destination”.
'Thuggish and intimidating' protest in Portsmouth 'has crossed the line', minister says
08:02 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
A government minister has condemned “thuggish and intimidating behaviour” seen in Portsmouth overnight.
Hundreds of demonstrators descended on Portsmouth after around 140 migrants heading towards the Hampshire coast on a small boat were intercepted and brought ashore.
Treasury minister Emma Reynolds condemned the demonstration, saying it had “crossed the line” of peaceful protest.
“As a politician, I absolutely support the right to peaceful protest,” she told Sky News. “But this has crossed the line. This is thuggish and intimidating behaviour.”
She also told BBC Breakfast: “Obviously, the British people do have legitimate concerns about immigration, but people shouldn't express those concerns in intimidating ways, in the way that we saw in Portsmouth overnight.”
Hundreds of demonstrators in standoff against police in Portsmouth after small boat migrants brought ashore
07:58 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHundreds of demonstrators descended on Portsmouth after migrants heading towards the Hampshire coast on a small boat were intercepted and brought ashore.
Around 140 migrants are believed to have disembarked near Eastney in Portsmouth, and will be taken to Manston immigration centre in Kent for processing.
Demonstrators blocked roads for hours and vowed to stay all night in the second major anti-migrant protest of the weekend. Video footage showed protesters facing up to police and shouting “stop the boats” on Sunday evening.
The Independent’s home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft has this report:
Hundreds of protesters descend on Portsmouth after small boat arrival
