‘Stop The Boats’ Balaclava Protests Draws Cross-Party Condemnation

Politicians from across the political spectrum have criticised the “stop the boats” protests which erupted in Dover this weekend.

Hundreds of masked men gathered in Dover town and at the ferry port to oppose irregular migration, causing a major disruption to the local community.

They gathered in a large group in an intimidating display, and reportedly claimed: “This is our warning.”

Kent Police later confirmed no arrests had been made on, writing on X: “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.”

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, welcomed the footage on X, saying: “The time for asking is over.”

One of Robinson’s associates has taken credit for the disruption, though the exact origins of the organised protest remain unclear.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage – who is a vehement opposer to the small boats – slammed the demonstration.

He said: “It is disgusting. Nobody in any political protest, on the left or right, should appear in balaclavas.”

“Nobody feels more strongly about stopping the boats than me,” he told GB News. “But turning up in balaclavas is not the way to do it.”

Labour’s business secretary Jonathan Reynolds also told Sky News he “condemns” such displays.

He said: “I condemn it. Peaceful protest is an essential part of British life but that’s not dressing up in costumes like this and disrupting people’s lives.

“I’d condemn the disruption for local people’s lives as well. But it was resolved. Clearly that’s not something we would want or expect to see on the seas of Britain.”

Asked why Kent Police were not aware it was due to take place, Reynolds said: “I do think our police forces deal with a great deal across British towns and cities.

“These days, people can use modern communications in ways that do make things happen quickly.

“And I think on the whole, the police handle it very well.”

Local Labour MP and former immigration minister Mike Tapp was less sympathetic towards the authorities.

He wrote for the Mirror: “This was clearly organised, yet Kent Police appear to have had little advance warning.

“I will be asking why, whether intelligence was missed, and whether additional officers – including mutual aid from forces such as the Met – can be mobilised quickly enough when Dover is targeted again.”

He also pointed out that small boat arrivals were down 46% this year compared to last year.

He added: “People have every right to protest about immigration. They have every right to demand stronger borders. But intimidating a town in balaclavas and blocking one of Britain’s most important ports? That isn’t the way to do it.”