On Sunday night, hundreds of balaclava‑wearing protesters gathered in the southern English city of Portsmouth, shutting down roads and confronting police after a small boat carrying illegal immigrants landed on the coast. The demonstrators, dressed mostly in black, shouted slogans such as “stop the boats” and “I’m England ’til I die,” while attempting to prevent lifeboats from bringing the newcomers ashore.
The protest was organized by a group called the Patriot Platform, led by Daniel Thomas – a former associate of far‑right activist Tommy Robinson. Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo, has a criminal record that includes a 2016 conviction for attempted kidnapping. He describes his organization as a Christian “army of patriots” motivated by “love for our children, country and the future we are leaving for our children.”
Police response and investigations
Portsmouth police reported that the standoff with demonstrators continued into the early hours of Monday before the crowd dispersed. No arrests were made, but the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary opened an investigation to identify anyone responsible for assaults on officers, criminal damage to vehicles, or other offenses. Similar tactics were seen in Dover, where masked men linked arms across a main road leading to the busy ferry port, creating a four‑mile traffic jam. Kent Police also reported no arrests and launched a parallel inquiry.
National context and political reaction
While the number of illegal immigrants crossing the English Channel in small boats has fallen to its lowest level since 2020, the issue remains a flashpoint in British politics. The hard‑right Reform UK party, which performed strongly in recent local elections, has made the small‑boat crossings a central campaign theme. Party leader Nigel Farage labeled the arrivals an “invasion” and told GB News that he feels “no one cares more about stopping the boats than me.” However, Farage also condemned the balaclava tactics, calling them “disgusting” and saying that “turning up in balaclavas is not the way to do it.”
Labour MP Mike Tapp, who represents the Portsmouth constituency, dismissed the demonstrators as “idiots” and pointed out that small‑boat crossings are down 40 % and that the government is working to address the situation. He urged the protesters to return home, find employment, and stop disrupting the community.
Monitoring groups weigh in
HOPE Not Hate, a British advocacy organization that tracks far‑right extremism, said the incident illustrates a growing trend of anti‑immigrant vigilantism. The group warned that the Patriot Platform’s claim to provide “public safety” is undermined by its members’ use of balaclavas and their criminal histories.
The UK Home Office condemned the “intimidating and thuggish behaviour” in Portsmouth, reaffirming that the right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy but must not cross the line into disorder.
What this means for local communities
For residents of Portsmouth, Dover and surrounding areas, the protests have disrupted daily life, caused traffic snarls and raised concerns about public safety. Local authorities are now tasked with balancing the community’s right to protest against the need to maintain order and protect vulnerable migrants who are seeking asylum.
As the debate over illegal immigration continues to polarize the United Kingdom, the recent demonstrations serve as a reminder that far‑right groups remain active and willing to confront authorities in the name of “patriotism.”
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
