Why are there anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth – and who is behind them?
- Hundreds of far-right demonstrators gathered in Portsmouth on Sunday after a large dinghy carrying 140 migrants reached the UK coast near Eastney.
- The journey from Normandy is believed to be the longest Channel crossing ever attempted by human traffickers, who altered their route away from Calais to evade French maritime police.
- Protesters, encouraged by far-right agitator Daniel Thomas, blocked roads to prevent asylum seekers from being transported to the Manston immigration processing centre in Kent.
- The incident was the second major anti-migrant demonstration of the weekend following a protest in Dover, prompting Treasury minister Emma Reynolds to condemn the blockade as thuggish and intimidating behaviour.
- Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones urged the government to tackle changing trafficking tactics, while the Home Office highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce small boat arrivals.
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