Anti-migrant protesters march in UK seaside town as Channel dinghy heads for south coast

Droves of anti-migrant protesters have taken to the streets in Hampshire this evening, over fears a migrant dinghy crossing the Channel after launching earlier today is heading to Britain's south coast.

The dinghy set off from Cherbourg in western Normandy at 6am this morning, first heading due north, and now nearing the mid-point in the Channel, in a position east of the Isle of Wight.

Police have been seen mobilising in Portsmouth and Gosport areas ahead of the planned protests expected to welcome the arrivals.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight force have also been seen escorting a convoy of buses, which would be used if migrants are brought to a nearby port.

Around 100 demonstrators have gathered near Haslar Marina in Gosport, with a police cordon put in place on Haslar Road.

The atmosphere has mostly remained peaceful so far, despite a few tense moments when police vans attempted to drive through the crowd into the marina car park.

Some protesters stopped the vans from advancing by standing in front of them, as crowds gathered around the vans chanting “shame on you” and “deport the lot”.

Councillor George Madgwick, leader of Reform UK on Hampshire Council, posted on social media, claiming the migrants would be taken to Gosport.

He wrote: "Unfortunately I hate to report that Gosport is the planned landing point for today's migrant boat.

"I've had confirmation from a source in the military and separately a local worker, that the plan is to dock there today."

Responding to that post, former Home Secretary and now Reform MP Suella Braverman wrote: "An absolute disaster for Gosport, Fareham and Warerlooville. The government must intervene and stop this happening now."

Protesters turned out in the hundreds when two lifeboats arrived in Eastney, near Portsmouth in early September.

Another attempt to land more migrants in the area in the weeks that follows had to be abandoned due to further protests in Dover, Southampton and Gosport.

Those illegal immigrants were instead taken by Border Security Command vessels to Dover harbour.

On tonight's Channel arrivals, councillor Madgwick added: "This is an absolute shambles. If they dock in Portsmouth Harbour, the home of the Royal Navy, that is disgusting.

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"When will this government realise that they need to stop the boats. They are not welcome here.

"But there is hope. Last time they planned to dock there they changed course. Let’s hope they do the same today. If you’re heading there stay peaceful and calm."

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police spokesman said: "We are currently working with partner agencies following a report of a small boat crossing in the English Channel.

"We know how these incidents can impact local communities and are aware of a group of people gathering in Gosport.

"We have deployed officers to the area to support our partners in the event of an emergency at sea, and to facilitate peaceful protest.

!To ensure the safety of our local communities as well as those who may wish to protest, we are making use of a variety of police powers.!

Under Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, police have imposed restrictions on protestors until 4pm tomorrow forcing demonstrators to gather inside nearby Walpole car park.

"Failure to comply with these conditions is a criminal offence and may result in arrest", the force said.

Powers under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 and Section 60AA under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 are also in place in Gosport and Portsmouth until 4pm tomorrow, prohibiting the wearing of face coverings used to conceal identity.

"This will assist in preventing offences, protecting communities and supporting the lawful exercise of democratic rights by all participants", the force added.

Officers have also implemented a dispersal order under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to cover the town of Gosport, in place until 7am on Tuesday.

The order gives officers the power to order a person to leave the area with no return within a specified time period. Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.