The US ambassador to Israel has condemned the UK sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, describing them as “an irrational action” and “discrimination against the Jewish people”.
Andy Burnham faces a row with both Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyhau, as No10 takes a tougher stance on the issue of Palestine.
Foreign secretary Ed Miliband is expected to set out a “reset” of the UK’s relations with Israel in a Commons statement on Tuesday.
Republican Mike Huckabee said he had “not personally” spoken to Mr Trump, but said: “I feel like that it’s a discrimination against the Israeli government, it’s discrimination against the Jewish people and I don’t understand the rationale of it.”
Ministers have suggested goods coming out of the illegal settlements in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory, could be subject to trade restrictions as part of the changes.
Mr Burnham discussed the Middle East with Mr Trump in a phone call on Monday ahead of the intervention, which risks drawing criticism from Washington, Israel’s closest ally.
The Times reported that the Trump administration would make a statement attacking the intervention.
Tensions in the West Bank have flared in recent months, with Israeli settlers involved in violent disputes with Palestinians.
Key Points
- UK to announce trade ban with illegal Israeli settlements
- US ambassador to Israel calls sanctions an 'irrational action'
- What to expect from Miliband’s announcement today
- Sanctions carry 'real risk of increased chances of attacks on British jews', Labour MP warns
- Israeli's security minister calls on Netanyahu to recognise Falkland Islands as Argentine territory
In pictures: Ed Miliband arriving to Cabinet meeting
09:55 , Holly Evans
Minister slaps down US ambassador warnings that Israeli sanctions will do “great damage” to Britain
09:37 , Holly EvansA government minister has dismissed warnings from the US ambassador to Israel that sanctions on illegal settlements will do “great damage” to British business interests.
Mike Huckabee told BBC Radio 4 that he didn’t believe the government was “really aware” of the impacts of the trade ban expected to be announced today.
“For example, 25 per cent of pharmaceuticals that are used in the UK are made in Israel. Are they willing to give those up? It looks like they are,” he said.
“Are they willing also to do great damage to any Brits who are doing business in a number of states in the US.”
But work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden said he was sure Ed Miliband had “taken all this into account” when drawing up the proposal.
“This is not going to be a boycott of business with Israel,” he said. “This is an important economic relationship. It's an important security relationship that will continue.”
He added: “There is a difference between that ongoing relationship and the approval of specific policies by this Israeli government at this time, and it's the continued expansion of the settlements that have given rise to the statement.”
Tom Tugendhat says plans could put UK's national security at risk
09:21 , Holly EvansShadow foreign secretary Tom Tugendhat previously said the plans could put Britain’s national security at risk and make it harder to fight terrorism.
He told the Telegraph: “It’s worth remembering that Israel is one of our most important intelligence partners, and has been for many, many years.
“I can tell you, as security minister, a lot of incidents did not happen because of co-operation with intelligence sources in Israel, who helped us to protect British people from terror attacks.”
US ambassador to Israel calls sanctions an 'irrational action'
08:51 , Holly EvansThe US ambassador to Israel said UK sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank are “an irrational action” and “discrimination against the Jewish people”.
Mike Huckabee told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that he had “not personally” spoken to President Donald Trump about the policy this week.
The Republican politician said: “This is an irrational action. That’s what I’m saying. I don’t understand what it’s supposed to achieve.
“If the UK is really interested in dealing with issues they feel like are wrong, where are the sanctions against North Korea, China, Russia? Where are the sanctions against many other nations in the world?
“I feel like that it’s a discrimination against the Israeli government, it’s discrimination against the Jewish people and I don’t understand the rationale of it.”
He added: “I don’t know if they have thought through, it’s like throwing a stone and not having an idea of where it’s going to land.
“And I realise, look, the UK is a sovereign country, they can do what they want, but so is the US.”
Anti-terror tsar voices concern over potential impact on British Jews
08:45 , Holly EvansAsked about the intervention, Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, told BBC Newsnight: “From a terrorism perspective, I mean, obviously one’s got to think about international cooperation.”
He added: “That is a really big deal, particularly with Iran, thinking about intelligence. On the other hand, I suppose it’s also true to say that some settler violence does amount to terrorism.”
Mr Hall also expressed concern about the potential impact on Britain’s Jewish communities, adding: “I think there is a risk that if you stir the pot by making Israel a pariah state, then that will bring that flame up again, which we saw.
“Remember, it was only a year ago that there was the attack at Heaton Park. And I’ve been very worried about de-legitimising anyone who’s Israeli, certainly, and Jews, many of whom support Israel, and painting a bit of a target on the back.
“Now, I’m sure the government will be very careful, I hope they will be, in the way in which they describe this, but that is a concern.”
Burnham to change tactic on Israel after Starmer lost key voters
08:25 , Holly EvansLabour lost the support of many of its left-wing backers under Sir Keir Starmer over his initial response to Israel’s military action in Gaza following Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel in 2023.
Prime minister Andy Burnham, who was among senior party figures to have called for a ceasefire by late October that year, previously suggested he would change the Government’s approach to the conflict soon after coming to office in July.
He has voiced particular concerns about the E1 settlement, where Israel has given final approval for a controversial project that would effectively separate the occupied West Bank from East Jerusalem.
Sanctions carry 'real risk of increased chances of attacks on British jews', Labour MP warns
08:11 , Holly EvansThe honorary vice-chairman of Labour Friends of Israel said he warned Ed Miliband that sanctions carry “a real risk of increased chances of attacks on the British Jewish community”.
Labour MP Peter Prinsley told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “My fear is that opponents of Israel won’t distinguish between Israeli government policy, Zionistic political philosophy, and British Jews.
“As far as they’re concerned, the whole thing’s the same, and I think it carries a real risk of increased chances of attacks on the British Jewish community.
“Which is exactly what I said to Ed Miliband when I was asked to see him two or three nights ago.
“I think the timing is terrible. I think we need to wait for the result of the Israeli election, and then we need to have another think.”
Mr Prinsley added: “We must do whatever we can to preserve the two-state solution, and I think the behaviour of the presently-elected Israeli government is really outrageous in this respect. I have a horrible feeling that what we’re doing will not only embolden the present government of Netanyahu, but has the capacity to influence the election itself, which is on a knife edge.”
Trade ban is not a 'boycott of all Israeli goods', minister says
08:04 , Holly EvansNew sanctions on Israeli West Bank settlements are “specifically targeted” and not intended to be a “boycott of all Israeli goods”, work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden said.
Asked how it would be possible to tell whether goods come from settlements in the West Bank or the rest of Israel and to address concerns this could amount to an overall boycott by the back door, he told Sky News: “The foreign secretary will set out details of how this will operate when he stands up in Parliament this afternoon.
“But I think it’s also important to say that Israel is an important trading partner for the UK. This isn’t intended to be a boycott of all Israeli goods.”
He added: “It’s measures specifically targeted at the expansion of these settlements, which are illegal under international law, in the West Bank.”
Labour minister rejects accusation of 'Jew hate' from US ambassador
07:52 , Holly EvansWork and pensions secretary Pat McFadden has rejected the accusation of “Jew hate” from US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
He told Sky News: “I fundamentally reject that. When it comes to the Jewish community in the UK, this is a really important part of our society.
“I want Jewish people in the UK to be able to live their lives freely in education, in work, in worship, in all aspects of their lives, and I and every Government minister would condemn any attacks on the Jewish community here in the UK.”
Israeli's security minister calls on Netanyahu to recognise Falkland Islands as Argentine territory
07:47 , Holly EvansIsrael has already threatened to retaliate if the UK imposes sanctions over the potential expansion of settlements in the West Bank, with foreign minister Gideon Saar warning: “If Britain acts against Israel, Israel will act against Britain.”
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s hard-line public security minister, called on the country’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to publicly recognise the Falkland Islands as “Argentine territory under occupation, which the British violently steal from the Argentine people”.
He wrote on X: “The British are not content with merely occupying the territory; they also carry out oil drilling there and steal the money from the Argentine people.
“I call upon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recognize Argentina’s sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands and to impose sanctions on Great Britain as long as the occupation continues.”
Minister denies Miliband announcement will be ban ‘by the backdoor’ on all Israeli goods
07:39 , Athena StavrouA government minister has insisted today’s sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements will not amount to a boycott of all Israeli goods.
Work and pensions minister Pat McFadden was questioned on how to government will be able to differentiate between goods from Israeli settlements and others from Israel itself.
Asked if the policy could result in a “boycott of Israeli products by the backdoor”, he told Sky News: “We don't want to do that. The foreign secretary will set out the details of how this will operate when he stands up in Parliament this afternoon.
“But I think it's also important to say that Israel is an important trading partner for the UK.
“This isn't intended to be a boycott of all Israeli goods.”
Tory minister says trade ban is 'performative posturing'
07:35 , Holly EvansShadow home secretary Chris Philp said the Government’s announcement on sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank was “performative posturing”.
The Conservative MP told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We think it’s performative posturing.
“It’s very difficult to distinguish goods that come from the West Bank area versus the rest of Israel. So practically, it’s very difficult to implement.
“It also risks damaging an important security relationship because we do rely, the UK relies, on Israel for vital information and intelligence about terrorist threats.
“But I would also like to say, that said, we do oppose the building of settlements on land which is Palestinian, whether that’s sponsored by the Israeli state or simply allowed to happen, because we do think a two-state solution is the right solution, and building settlements on Palestinian land is obviously wrong.
“But this performative sanctions is not the right thing to do.”
Full story: UK to announce trade ban with illegal Israeli settlements
07:31 , Holly EvansThe government is set to unveil a ban on the trade of goods and some services from illegal Israeli settlements after promising to take a tougher stance in support of Gaza.
It is understood that foreign secretary Ed Miliband will make the announcement in the Commons on Tuesday as part of a reset of Britain’s relations with Israel.
The decision comes in response to controversial plans in the occupied West Bank, in which Israel issued tenders for 1,200 homes as part of the E1 settlement project.
Read the full article here:
UK to announce trade ban with Israeli West Bank settlements
What to expect from Miliband’s announcement today
07:27 , Athena StavrouEd Miliband is set to announce sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including a trade ban.
The foreign secretary will first unveil the plans to Cabinet at the government’s weekly Downing Street meeting at 9:30am this morning.
He will then lay out the plans to parliament in a ministerial statement this afternoon.
The prime minister discussed the intervention with US president Donald Trump on Monday, in a move which risks drawing criticism from Washington.
Policing minister gives update on far-right anti-migrant protests in Dover
07:00 , Harriette Boucher'Difficult 24 hours' for Portsmouth residents, says local MP
06:00 , Harriette BoucherResidents in Portsmouth have had a “difficult 24 hours” amid the anti-migrant demonstrations, the MP for Portsmouth South has said.
Stephen Morgan said constituents were concerned both about the “thuggish behaviour” from protestors as well as the wider issue of small boat crossings.
“People are obviously very upset by what happened yesterday,” he told ITV. “I’ve been on the ground talking to local people, to businesses, to the police about what we’ve seen.
“Democratic engagement is vital in our country and so are protests but they need to be fair. They cannot overstep the mark and that's what we've seen down in Portsmouth.
Asked how surprised he was by initial reports, he said: “It’s obviously surprising what happened overnight and the government is working extremely hard to smash the gangs and reduce the number of small boats coming into the UK.
“I understand people's frustrations and anger about small boats coming into this country.”
Small boat migrant crossings: What the numbers tell us about 2026 so far
05:00 , Harriette BoucherThe number of migrants who have reached the UK after crossing the English Channel so far this year is more than 40 per cent lower than at this point in 2025.
Last month, The Independent took a look at the latest available data for crossings and the long-term trends.
Year-on-year comparisons
Some 14,526 migrants have arrived in the UK by crossing the Channel in small boats this year as of August 1, according to provisional figures from the Home Office.
This is 43 per cent below the number of arrivals at this stage last year, which was 25,436.
It is also 14 per cent below the number at this point in 2024, which was 16,903.
Looking further back, this year’s total is only slightly below the number of migrants who had arrived by this stage in 2023, which was 14,732.
The record for the largest number of migrants to arrive in the UK in a calendar year is 45,774, which was set in 2022.
This year’s current total of 14,526 is 15 per cent below the figure at this point in 2022.
Overall, 207,159 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel since data began on January 1 2018.
Of these, 127,919 (62 per cent) arrived under Conservative governments and 79,240 (38 per cent) came under the current Labour government, including 2,057 (1 per cent) since Andy Burnham became prime minister.
Read more here:
Small boat migrant crossings: What the numbers tell us about 2026 so far
ICYMI: Burnham tells Labour MPs 'we must stop politics of poison'
04:00 , Harriette BoucherAndy Burnham said Labour has a “solemn responsibility” to stop the “politics of poison seeping into our streets”.
Speaking to the Parliamentary Labour Party at a closed-doors meeting in Parliament on Monday evening, the prime minister said there was “a lot at stake” requiring the party to “counter fear with positivity and hope”.
He said Labour could “change this country for the better” and must “never accept the narrative that there’s nothing we can do”.
Setting the tone ahead of Labour’s annual conference, he said the focus would be on bringing back hope and laying out more detail about the next phase of his administration, which would be “boldly, authentically, confidently Labour”.
Migrant protest founder confronts Reform UK over Farage’s ‘knuckle-dragger’ jibe
03:00 , Harriette BoucherThe founder of a group of protesters who blocked roads in Dover on Saturday has confronted Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf, telling him his party leader Nigel Farage needs to be “careful with his words”.
Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo – who is an associate of ring-wing activist Tommy Robinson, claims to have organised a protest in Dover on Saturday which saw men in black clothing and balaclavas blocking roads.
He was also on the scene when migrants arrived in Portsmouth on Sunday.
Interrupting Mr Yusuf during an interview in the city, Mr Thomas accused Mr Farage of calling protesters at the Unite the Kingdom rally in London earlier in the year “knuckle-draggers”.
He 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.”
Migrant protest founder confronts Reform UK over Farage’s ‘knuckle-dragger’ jibe
More than 600 migrants arrived on small boats on Sunday - Home Office
02:00 , Harriette BoucherSome 625 people arrived in the UK on small boats on Sunday, Home Office figures released on Monday afternoon show.
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.
Portsmouth protests: Why did demonstrators block roads after record small boat crossing?
01:00 , Harriette Boucher
Portsmouth protests: Why were roads blocked after record small boat crossing?
Reform’s Zia Yusuf blames Tory and Labour governments for Portsmouth ‘disorder’
Tuesday 8 September 2026 00:00 , Harriette Boucher'Expect resistance' in Portsmouth, Lowe tells government
Monday 7 September 2026 23:00 , Harriette BoucherBurnham and Trump agree on need to continue working towards ceasefire in Ukraine
Monday 7 September 2026 22:10 , Harriette BoucherAndy Burnham and Donald Trump have agreed on the need to “continue working towards a ceasefire that prevented more loss of life” in Ukraine, Downing Street said.
It comes after US envoys held talks in Kyiv on Sunday during an official visit to the country as part of an effort to end the conflict with Russia.
Mr Burnham spoke to Mr Trump on Monday afternoon and the prime minister “reiterated the UK’s support for Ukraine and for recent US-led peace negotiations.”
A Downing Street spokesperson added: “On the Middle East, the Prime Minister set out the UK’s commitment to working towards peace and security in the region, stressing the importance of the two-state solution, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon.”
Policing minister gives update on far-right anti-migrant protests in Dover
Monday 7 September 2026 21:15 , Harriette BoucherSmall boat migrant crossings: What the numbers tell us about 2026 so far
Monday 7 September 2026 20:55 , Harriette BoucherThe number of migrants who have reached the UK after crossing the English Channel so far this year is more than 40 per cent lower than at this point in 2025.
Last month, The Independent took a look at the latest available data for crossings and the long-term trends.
Year-on-year comparisons
Some 14,526 migrants have arrived in the UK by crossing the Channel in small boats this year as of August 1, according to provisional figures from the Home Office.
This is 43 per cent below the number of arrivals at this stage last year, which was 25,436.
It is also 14 per cent below the number at this point in 2024, which was 16,903.
Looking further back, this year’s total is only slightly below the number of migrants who had arrived by this stage in 2023, which was 14,732.
The record for the largest number of migrants to arrive in the UK in a calendar year is 45,774, which was set in 2022.
This year’s current total of 14,526 is 15 per cent below the figure at this point in 2022.
Overall, 207,159 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel since data began on January 1 2018.
Of these, 127,919 (62 per cent) arrived under Conservative governments and 79,240 (38 per cent) came under the current Labour government, including 2,057 (1 per cent) since Andy Burnham became prime minister.
Read more here:
Small boat migrant crossings: What the numbers tell us about 2026 so far
Kent Police invite Dover protest organisers to get in touch
Monday 7 September 2026 20:33 , Harriette BoucherKent Police have not yet spoken to the organisers of the protest in Kent, which caused major disruption at the port, an assistant chief constable has said.
Nigel Brookes told BBC that Kent Police were inviting the organisers to get in touch with the force.
He said: “We haven't spoken to any organisers of the protest in Kent.
“I would ask for the organisers to reach out to us and we can discuss not only the events which took place on Saturday but how, if there are plans to resume protests of that nature, we can work and police those protests.”
Comment: If these anti-migrant protesters are so big and brave, why do they all hide behind masks?
Monday 7 September 2026 20:10 , Harriette BoucherWe are creating a culture in which people feel emboldened to enact their darkest fantasies of vigilante justice, says Imogen West-Knights:
If these great defenders of the UK are so brave, why are they hiding their faces?
Burnham tells Labour MPs: 'we must stop politics of poison'
Monday 7 September 2026 20:08 , Tom BarnesAndy Burnham said Labour has a “solemn responsibility” to stop the “politics of poison seeping into our streets”.
Speaking to the Parliamentary Labour Party at a closed-doors meeting in Parliament on Monday evening, the prime minister said there was “a lot at stake” requiring the party to “counter fear with positivity and hope”.
He said Labour could “change this country for the better” and must “never accept the narrative that there’s nothing we can do”.
Setting the tone ahead of Labour’s annual conference, he said the focus would be on bringing back hope and laying out more detail about the next phase of his administration, which would be “boldly, authentically, confidently Labour”.
Watch: Danny Tommo confronts Zia Yusuf
Monday 7 September 2026 19:45 , Harriette BoucherPolice forced to use batons and pepper spray against demonstrators
Monday 7 September 2026 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
Monday 7 September 2026 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
Monday 7 September 2026 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
Monday 7 September 2026 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'
Monday 7 September 2026 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
Monday 7 September 2026 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
Monday 7 September 2026 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'
Monday 7 September 2026 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
Monday 7 September 2026 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
Monday 7 September 2026 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
Monday 7 September 2026 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
Monday 7 September 2026 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
Monday 7 September 2026 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
Monday 7 September 2026 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.
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Healey refuses to rule out tax rises as he warns Britain is paying ‘Truss penalty’
Zia Yusuf says Danny Tommo interruption was 'respectful conversation'
Monday 7 September 2026 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
Monday 7 September 2026 15:50 , Nicole Wootton-CanePatriot Platform will act as 'voting bloc,' founder warns Yusuf
Monday 7 September 2026 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
Monday 7 September 2026 15:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnti-crime bosses 'determined to do all we can to target, disrupt, and dismantle' people smuggler gangs
Monday 7 September 2026 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
Monday 7 September 2026 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.”
