Protests Erupt in Portsmouth Over Migrant Arrivals

On Sunday evening, a large crowd gathered at Eastney Marina in Portsmouth, blocking roads as illegal migrants were brought ashore and prepared for transport into the country.

Portsmouth, known for its busy port and as a base for the Royal Navy, witnessed a chaotic scene when a dinghy with about 140 migrants approached the coast. Reports indicate that a helicopter, an airplane, and several lifeboats were dispatched to the area.

Local resident and activist Danny Tommo quickly made his way to the marina as the situation unfolded. Tommo, affiliated with anti-grooming activist Tommy Robinson, livestreamed his efforts alongside supporters to prevent migrants from boarding coaches, claiming they represented a threat to local women and girls.

The livestream drew hundreds of protesters, many dressed similarly to participants in a recent demonstration in Dover, which Tommo and his new group, Patriot Platform, reportedly organized. Chants of “send them back” echoed as they obstructed the main exit from the marina. Some confrontations occurred with police, who resorted to pepper spray and batons, though the situation mostly remained peaceful.

Interestingly, while much media attention focused on the masked individuals, social media videos revealed that many local residents were actively participating in this civil disobedience. Reverend Chris Wickland, an Anglican priest from the area, expressed his concerns to a YouTuber about the ongoing illegal migration, stating it felt much more immediate when it occurred right at home. He worried that if the government did not address the situation, civil unrest could follow.

Another protester, who had blocked part of the road with his car, shared with Councillor George Madgwick his motivations for protesting, honoring the sacrifices of those who had died in the Wars from Portsmouth and emphasizing the need to “protect the city.” Madgwick also revealed footage indicating that authorities had prepared for the migrants’ arrival, with new clothing and pajamas ready for them.

Eventually, around 3 a.m., Tommo decided to end the blockade after being informed by police that they would implement Section 14 of the Public Order Act, which would allow mass arrests of demonstrators. He concluded that it wasn’t worth it, as there weren’t enough people present to continue the resistance.

Hampshire Police stated they were working alongside Border Force and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency to manage the situation at Eastney Marina following the boat’s arrival. They urged people to avoid the area, enforcing a dispersal order, and noted that the migrants would be taken outside Hampshire for processing after disembarking safely.

A government representative condemned the protesters’ behavior, emphasizing that while peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy, it should never devolve into disorder. They also expressed gratitude toward the emergency services involved in managing the situation.

This rapid mobilization by anti-mass migration advocates marks a shift in British protests, which typically required prior planning and coordination with police. The event in Portsmouth mirrors a previous protest in Norfolk, where the arrival of just one migrant household resulted in immediate public outcry and confrontation with law enforcement.