Kent Police faces criticism over its handling of a large anti-migrant demonstration that brought disruption to Dover yesterday morning, amid warnings that the protest could be just the first of many.
Around 300 protesters, many dressed entirely in black and wearing face coverings, began chanting slogans including “England till I die”, “whose streets? our streets!” and “stop the boats”.
Kent Police described the event as a “spontaneous protest”, and said no arrests had been made.
In a statement posted online, the force said traffic was flowing normally and that everyone involved had dispersed by midday.
This depiction of events has been challenged by politicians and local officials, who argued the “intelligence failure” means police must go “back to the drawing board”.
Former Police Superintendent and terrorism expert Martin Gallagher earlier told GB News: “Unfortunately, it’s a failure here by the police. So whatever intelligence opportunities exist about this group, the anti-immigration group, they’ve obviously failed. So we’ve got that first to start.”
The policing expert argued that the police may have to roll out the Public Order Act 1936 against the group all dressed the same – a legislation that relates to a group forming in uniform that can be seen as acting counter to the state.
Asked whether he is “surprised” that the police appeared to be unaware of the mass protest, Mr Gallagher told GB News that there has been “roundabout failures and intelligence gathering” on “both sides of the political spectrum”.
Kent Police described the event as a “spontaneous protest”, and said no arrests had been made | AY AUDITS/YOUTUBE
Meanwhile, Kevin Mills, Labour leader of Dover District Council, has now described the protest as “exceptionally well organised”, and said it appeared to have caught Kent Police unprepared.
He told the BBC that police had appeared slow to keep roads and transport networks operating, although he acknowledged that police resources were under significant pressure.
Labour MP Mike Tapp also criticised the force today, saying a “clearly coordinated protest” should not have been characterised as spontaneous.
He said he would seek answers over whether intelligence about the demonstration had been missed, and called for authorities to ensure there were “no further surprises”.
Hoards of masked men blocked the Port of Dover causing delays to passengers
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AY AUDITS/YOUTUBEThe demonstration has been linked online to the Patriot Platform, a movement which critics label as “far-right”, and is associated with activist Danny Thomas, known as “Tommo”.
Thomas has claimed the organisation has groups around the country and, following yesterday’s events, described the demonstration as “only the beginning”.
Online videos showed protesters lined up chanting, while leaders told the crowd they were not there to attack police or engage in violence.
However, footage from the event also captured confrontational exchanges involving supporters, and claims of threatening graffiti near a site described as a “migrant facility”.
Masked protesters caused major disruption at the Port of Dover
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AY AUDITS/YOUTUBEThe demonstration reportedly lasted several hours, and caused significant disruption around Dover’s transport network.
Local politicians are now calling for a review of how the protest developed, and whether authorities received sufficient warning.
Kent Police is yet to release a statement, but cabinet minister Jonathan Reynolds said officers “did deal with it swiftly”.
In a statement on X at the time of the protest, Kent Police said: “We are aware of a protest currently taking place at the Port of Dover. Officers are in attendance and engaging with protesters.”
GB News has contacted Kent Police for further comment.