Police are hunting to identify offenders after police were injured and cars were damaged in anti-migration protests.
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.”
They said no arrests have been made at this time, however they had 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”.
He said: “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 government has meanwhile 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'
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.
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
