GB News backlash after breaking migrant news leaves viewers outraged

Hundreds of balaclava-clad protestors gathered in Dover but around noon masked people were seen boarding a train. Footage showed the group, which appeared to be largely made up of men, gathered at the Kent port on Saturday. The protests – which have been condemned by the government – involved hundreds of black-clad and masked anti-illegal migrant protesters. They blocked roads in Dover and were later shown marching through the town and chanting “whose streets? our streets!” and “stop the boats” as dozens of police officers followed. No arrests were made, however, the protest is likely to come under scrutiny after authorities appeared to be caught off guard.

Reform UK Leader of Kent County Council, Linden Kemkaran shared her thoughts on the anti-migration protest in Dover that saw masked protesters block roads. Speaking on GB News the MP suggested it was “profoundly anti-British to cover your face on a peaceful protest”. She commented: “I don’t think Kent police were aware. I think it was all organised very covertly. They drew a lot of attention to themselves.” The Kent county leader suggested it was “troubling” to see the men wearing balaclavas.

Linden continued: “I think in this country it is profoundly anti-British to cover your face and go on a peaceful protest. We must remember no arrests were made so it was a lawful, peaceful protest. I don’t like seeing people wearing balaclavas or face coverings in any kind of public protests. Be that antifa lot, pro-Palestine people that used to go out in the streets every week in London. And this lot in Dover.”

While the Reform MP admitted she is unhappy with how the government is handling the migrant crisis, Linden suggested the anti-migrant protesters in Devon were being “intimidating to motorists”.

Her comments sparked backlash from viewers who took to social media to complain.

One X user fumed: “Why hasn’t there ever been a panel discussing face coverings specifically and the faux outrage when antifa have been at it for years. Their outrage is selective. It’s quite frankly ridiculous. It reinforces their views that people who are right leaning are thugs. Please let go of the pearls your clutching.”

Another argued: “Who the hell are these people to tell us what’s anti-British?” “Her comments are why I & many other previous Reform voters joined Restore,” a third argued.

A fourth raged: “So it’s anti-British when British people do it in Britain but when foreigners that have no right to be here do it they are just exercising their freedom to do so.”

Another added: “It’s profoundly anti-British to run a blatant two-tier society.”

Kent Police said no arrests were made during the “spontaneous protest”.

In a post on X the force said: “Kent Police responded to a spontaneous protest in #Dover during the morning of Saturday 5 September.

“No arrests were made. Traffic is flowing normally, and all involved had dispersed by midday.”