Recent Protests on the South Coast
Madam Deputy Speaker, I wish to address the recent disturbances that occurred along the south coast during the weekend. Many individuals in this House and beyond have expressed their concerns regarding these events, and I appreciate the opportunity to outline the occurrences and detail the government’s response to the underlying issues associated with these protests.
It is essential to start by presenting the facts. On Saturday morning, around 7:30 am, approximately 150 individuals gathered at the Port of Dover, many concealing their identities with face coverings. The Kent Police quickly responded to what they classified as a “no-notice” protest. Fortunately, no arrests were made, and after several hours, the crowd eventually dispersed, allowing full access to the Port to be restored. However, this incident understandably caused distress to local residents and workers, as well as delays for ferry passengers and motorists.
Incidents in Portsmouth
Turning to the subsequent incident in Portsmouth, on Sunday afternoon, a boat carrying roughly 120 individuals reached British waters near the Isle of Wight, significantly further west than typical small boat crossings. The RNLI, operating under the guidance of HM Coastguard, encountered the vessel and directed it towards Eastney Marina in the greater Portsmouth area.
By around 8 pm, a gathering of over 200 protestors assembled at the harbour with the intention of obstructing three coaches that were scheduled to transport the new arrivals for processing. Many of these protestors were dressed in black and also wore face masks. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, supported by other local forces, issued a dispersal notice to ensure public safety. Officers were compelled to employ batons and PAVA spray in response to some aggressive behaviour from the crowd.
Throughout the night, law enforcement continued their efforts, and by approximately 4 am, the protestors began to leave, and the coaches were able to depart. No arrests were made during this episode, but investigations are currently ongoing, and any identified criminal behaviour will result in consequential actions.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations
Madam Deputy Speaker, incidents of this nature necessitate meticulous management by law enforcement, and I would like to extend my gratitude to all those involved in the operational responses in both Dover and Portsmouth. I am particularly thankful to those on the front lines, whose contributions were crucial in bringing these demonstrations to a close.
This afternoon, I engaged in discussions with key police partners. As expected following such events, we are diligently working to identify any lessons learned and ensure that pertinent intelligence is rapidly disseminated across our law enforcement network.
While peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected, it is equally important to safeguard the rights of citizens to go about their daily lives without undue disruption. There is no justification for threatening behaviour or significant disturbances.
Government Stance on Public Order
Let me unequivocally state that any form of disorder will not be tolerated. Those who cross the line from lawful protest into illegality should be prepared to face the full weight of the law. The government unequivocally condemns the intimidating and aggressive actions displayed by certain protestors over the weekend.
We are collaborating closely with the police in both Kent and Hampshire, along with the National Police Coordination Centre, all of whom have our unwavering support in taking necessary measures to uphold public safety and maintain order.
Addressing Immigration Concerns
Madam Deputy Speaker, I do not wish to downplay the legitimate concerns that law-abiding citizens have regarding the exploitation of our nation’s generosity by criminal gangs and the illegal journeys that some individuals undertake to reach our shores. We must remember that the frustration evident in our communities today stems from the chaos and crises preceding the 2024 General Election.
Since taking office, this government has undertaken significant actions to reform the flawed system we inherited and combat the activities of people smugglers. We have doubled the number of National Crime Agency officers assigned to dismantling organised immigration crime, resulting in a 70% increase in system-wide arrests.
Progress on Immigration Enforcement
We have successfully seized over 1,100 boats and engines and, in collaboration with French authorities, have thwarted more than 48,000 attempted crossings. Our partnership has recently been bolstered through a landmark agreement signed in April, which will enhance our resources by increasing French personnel on the ground by 40%, bringing the total to over 1,000, alongside improved surveillance technology and specialised units.
Simultaneously, we are actively working to eliminate the incentives that lead individuals to arrive here unlawfully. Since the election, we have facilitated over 6,000 returns of small boat migrants—a 64% increase compared to the last two years of the previous administration—and removed more than 80,000 illegal migrants and foreign criminals from our territory. Consequently, this summer has witnessed the lowest number of small boat arrivals since 2020, with current crossings down by over 43% compared to last year.
Commitment to Ongoing Action
While progress is evident, we remain vigilant. We will continue our unyielding efforts, particularly in response to any shifts in tactics employed by the smuggling gangs. The trend of larger vessels carrying over a hundred individuals raises significant concerns, and we are prepared to address potential crossings in less frequently monitored areas of our coastline.
Madam Deputy Speaker, these criminal organisations will not cease their operations quietly. They are adapting to the impacts of our actions, and we will respond accordingly—both in our enforcement efforts in partnership with France and in our domestic strategies.
Our foremost priority will always be the safety of the British public. Thus, we will persist in our efforts to combat small boat crossings and the criminal networks behind them, ensuring that we establish the strong and secure borders that the people of this country rightly expect and deserve. Concurrently, we will maintain close cooperation with police forces to preserve public order on our streets. While it is essential to protect our long-standing right to free speech, we will not accept any disruption to the daily lives of our citizens or the intimidation of our communities.
I commend this statement to the House.