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

Droves of anti-migrant protesters are mobilising 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.

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."

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