The port of Portsmouth in England was engulfed by violent protests after far-right groups blocked roads and attempted to stop the transfer of 140 migrants to a reception center.
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The boat, which had set off several hours earlier from the coast of Normandy, was initially escorted by the French coast guard. British authorities then took over the vessel in the United Kingdom’s territorial waters.
The protesters, dressed in black, with hoods and covered faces, were linked by Italian media to extra-parliamentary far-right circles. Police, equipped with shields and pepper spray, intervened to disperse the crowd, but no arrests were made.
The events in Portsmouth followed Sunday’s mobilization in Dover, where at least 500 people blocked traffic for several hours at the port connecting the United Kingdom with Europe. The protesters chanted “Stop the boats!” in reference to migrants arriving via the English Channel. Police monitored the situation but did not intervene, while the blockade caused major difficulties for travelers.
The British government condemned this behavior, calling it “hooliganism.” It stressed that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a democracy, but it must not end in disorder. Treasury Minister Emma Reynolds said citizens have “legitimate concerns about immigration,” but underscored that these concerns cannot be expressed in a threatening manner.
A different stance was taken by Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Party leader Lee Anderson stated that it is not surprising that people take to the streets to express anger toward individuals who, according to him, “have no right to be in this country.”
Behind the weekend’s protests is believed to be Danny Thomas, known as “Danny Tommo.” The anti-immigration activist is linked to Tommy Robinson, whom Italian media described as a neo-fascist leader.
During this summer, Thomas created the “Patriots’ Platform” and called for “mass resistance.” Meanwhile, the most radical groups are increasingly coordinating their movements through social media.
