Hundreds of balaclava-clad protestors gathered in Dover this morning – but around noon masked people were seen boarding a train.
Hundreds of men in balaclavas halt traffic in ‘anti-migrant’ protest
Far-Right activist Tommy Robinson claimed this morning that “many more” protesters were on their way to Dover after hundreds of masked people descended on the town, causing major disruption and reportedly leaving locals feeling intimidated. However, by noon, masked men were seen boarding a train, and later in the afternoon it appeared most protesters had left the area. Demonstrators dressed in black and wearing balaclavas gathered on the roads near the Port of Dover today in what police have described as a “protest”.
Taking to X, Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, posted at 10.37am: “British patriots are gridlocking Dover with many more on their way”. In another post, he suggested the protest in Dover was part of a co-ordinated plan, saying: “Simultaneously at different locations across Dover patriots have mobilised to close down the port.” Videos and images circulating on social media show no obvious signs of placards or banners, but it appears the protest is being held against illegal immigration.
Tommy Robinson claims ‘many more’ protesters are on their way to Dover (Image: SWNS)
Footage circulating online showed the group, appearing largely to be men gathered at the Kent port this morning.
A group was later seen marching through the town and chanting “whose streets? our streets!” and “stop the boats” as dozens of police officers followed.
Despite Robinson’s claiming more protesters may take to the streets in Devon, masked men could be seen at Dover Priory station at around noon boarding a train.
Before 2pm, many seemingly involved in the demostration appeared to have left the area, many by train.
A port spokesperson said: “All routes in and out of the port and the town are now open and traffic is moving freely. We thank our customers and local community for their patience whilst the police managed the public order incident.”
The protesters’ presence this morning brought traffic on the A20 to a standstill and left people unable to freely enter or leave the Port of Dover.
The large group of men walking through the streets of the town also left some local women feeling “frightened”, according to Paul King, a Reform UK councillor for Dover West.
King said he had been told the demonstration was a “Stop the Boats” protest, and stressed that Reform UK does not condone protesters causing public disturbance or making residents feel intimidated.
Groups of balaclava-wearing protesters have blocked the roads in and out of Dover (Image: @Ay_audits/YouTube)
Councillor Chris Vinson, leader of the Conservative group and the member for Walmer on Dover District Council, told the Press Association the demonstration appeared to be a “co-ordinated” group of “several hundred masked men”.
The councillor said it had “brought the town to a standstill” and left “stacks of people” stuck in their cars or workplaces.
He added: “I’m not aware that there’s been any violence, although clearly, having the path of your vehicle blocked by men wearing black paramilitary gear and balaclavas is extremely intimidating, especially when it’s not clear why they’re there, and the police weren’t aware and so haven’t been able to warn people in advance and make sure that they are made to feel safe.
“I know people who have worked night shifts in the port who are being prevented from leaving for fears for their safety.
“Women who are in cars feeling intimidated, people stuck in traffic – who obviously are without toilet facilities – queues way back on the A20 and the other approach roads into Dover.”
Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, criticised the protesters in Dover.
In a post on Facebook, he said: “Park run cancelled and port access disrupted. I am fed up with idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption. I bet if you asked any one of those “protesters” they wouldn’t know small boat crossings are down by 40% and we are working hard to fix the mess.
He also urged demonstrators to “Go home, enjoy your weekend/get a job”.
Kent Police officers said in a post on X earlier this morning they are “engaging” with protesters at the Port of Dover. It read: “We are aware of a protest currently taking place at the Port of Dover. Officers are in attendance and engaging with protesters.”
Operators including Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries have pledged to help customers affected to get on the next available sailing.
The Express has contacted Kent Police and Port of Dover Police for more information regarding the nature of the protest.