Police urged to take robust action against anti-migrant demonstrators wearing balaclavas
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has urged police chiefs to take robust action against anti-migrant demonstrators wearing balaclavas ahead of planned weekend protests.
- The intervention follows criticism over the lack of arrests after far-right protesters blocked roads in Dover and clashed with officers and RNLI volunteers in Portsmouth last weekend.
- Ms Mahmood emphasised that police must fully utilise existing powers to stop protesters concealing their identities, highlighting the fear caused by masked groups.
- Police chiefs confirmed they are implementing an enhanced, co-ordinated intelligence and operational strategy to proactively address far-right tactics.
- Security warnings have been issued to RNLI volunteers advising them not to wear charity branding following unacceptable abuse from anti-migrant demonstrators.
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