Politicians condemn ‘intimidating’ masked demonstrators in Dover
- Hundreds of masked demonstrators dressed in black blocked roads and disrupted traffic around the Port of Dover on Saturday during a “stop the boats” protest.
- Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds condemned the “intimidating” protest while defending the overall police response despite criticism that officers were unprepared.
- Dover MP Mike Tapp expressed frustration over the disruption, stating that the police appeared unaware of the planned march and lacked sufficient resources on the ground.
- Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and spokesman Robert Jenrick both denounced the protesters’ use of balaclavas and road blockades, though Jenrick acknowledged frustration over small boats.
- Far-right activist Tommy Robinson and associate Daniel Thomas indicated the demonstration was part of a coordinated effort to shut down the port.
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