The British government strongly criticized the intimidating and violent actions of anti-immigrant protestors who gathered at a port in southern England, where migrants were landing after crossing the English Channel.

In Portsmouth, hundreds of demonstrators, many in dark attire and masks, confronted police on Sunday night to hinder lifeboats from disembarking the migrants. They also attempted to obstruct buses transporting the newcomers to an asylum seeker processing center.

While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, the government emphasized the importance of maintaining order and preventing disturbances during demonstrations.

The incident in Portsmouth followed a similar protest in Dover, where masked anti-immigration protestors disrupted traffic leading to the busy ferry port. Both groups were reportedly led by Daniel Thomas, a supporter of far-right figure Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson.

The UK government has faced challenges in preventing the dangerous journey across the English Channel, with over 40,000 individuals making the crossing last year. Politicians like Nigel Farage have labeled the situation as a crisis, using it as a focal point for anti-immigration activism.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration credited enhanced law enforcement cooperation with France for reducing this year’s crossings by over 40% compared to 2025. The boat carrying approximately 140 individuals to Portsmouth departed from Normandy, a considerable distance from the usual departure points near Calais, making the voyage longer and riskier.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency deployed lifeboats, a coast guard helicopter, and a plane in the operation to safely bring the migrants ashore.