Nigel Farage has labelled masked protesters blocking access to Dover as “disgusting” after the UK’s busiest international port faced major disruption this morning.
The Reform UK leader, who used the word “disgusting” three times during his GB News interview, claimed nobody participating in peaceful protests should wear balaclavas.
Mr Farage said: “Nobody in any political protest, whether they’re on the left or the right, should appear in balaclavas. It is wrong.”
He added: “Look, nobody feels more strongly about stopping the boats than me. Nobody has flown the flag to say this could be a disaster.”
Mr Farage went on to insist masked protesters were not acceptable despite his concerns about the Iranian regime placing terrorist operatives on small boats bound for Britain.
Hundreds of protesters, who were dressed in black and wearing face coverings, blocked roads as part of a “stop the boats” demonstration.
Kent Police confirmed it is “engaging with protesters” and marched the crowd to a nearby railway station shortly before midday.
The masked crowd started to disperse shortly after arriving at Dover Priory railway station.
Nigel Farage spoke to GB News ahead of his curtain-closing speech
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GB NEWS
Disruption initially stopped traffic from flowing in and out of the port.
Officials have since confirmed approach roads are now “free flowing”.
The Port of Dover added: “This situation is impacting our local community and our customers, so of course we are hoping for a swift resolution.”
Meanwhile, P&O Ferries offered anyone who missed their departure a ticket for the next available crossing.
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Local Labour MP Mike Tapp criticised the hundreds of masked men who arrived in Dover this morning.
“I am fed up with idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption,” the ex-Home Office Minister said.
“I bet if you asked any one of those ‘protesters’, they wouldn’t know small boat crossings are down by 40 per cent and we are working hard to fix the mess.
“Go home, enjoy your weekend or get a job.”
Masked protesters are causing major disruption at the Port of Dover | AY AUDITS/YOUTUBE
The protest in Dover caused particular problems along the A40, with National Highways warning the demonstration caused four miles of congestion in the Kent town.
Paul King, a local Reform UK councillor, urged residents to avoid the port area.
Ex-English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reposted footage from the protest on social media and encouraged more people to join across three locations in Dover.
A group called Patriot Platform appeared to claim responsibility for the blockade.
The port of Dover is the UK’s largest international gateway for trade and passengers
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GETTYResponding to the Dover protest, a Government spokesman said: “The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to our democracy, but we condemn the behaviour in Dover and the travel disruption it has caused.
“We appreciate the frustration of those who have been impacted today. Access to the port is now restored and traffic is flowing.
“Those travelling to the port are advised to allow for extra travel time and to follow guidance from providers.
“We thank policing partners and travel providers who we continue to work with to ensure the safety of passengers and the wider community.”