Anti-migrant protests in Gosport as dinghy carrying 120 people lands
About 300 protesters gathered in the Hampshire town of Gosport on Sunday night to demonstrate against the arrival of a dinghy carrying an estimated 120 migrants. Crowds had begun to arrive early in the afternoon and police blocked off roads to the town’s marina before the boat landed at around 10pm, escorted by two RNLI lifeboats. Most commented 1 Live Kemi Badenoch: Britain has become complacent — as it happened Politics 738 comments 2 On the Cornell campus as fury grows over fraternity ‘gang rape’ US news 266 comments 3 Ministers cannot say how many early release prisoners were tagged Politics 121 comments 4 15 of the best Australia tours Australia 18 comments 5 Andy Burnham’s approval rating: the latest polls Data 602 comments The boat, which left France on Sunday morning was being shadowed by French rescue vessels until it was met by the RNLI boats in English waters, according to ship tracking data. RNLI lifeboats were in attendance to bring migrants ashore Trevor Adams/PA Protesters shouted “send them back”, “you’re not welcome” and “stop the boats” as the vessels arrived. Top stories 1 The best luxury gadgets to buy now LUXX 2 The 16 best luxury fragrances for autumn LUXX Migrants were taken from the boats and formed a long queue before they could be processed, with some appearing to wear orange rescue clothing. Some 20 minutes after the migrants arrived, tensions flared among protesters. Red flares were let off as they pushed the line of police officers back. A fight appeared to break out amid the chaos and officers stood poised with pepper spray in their hands. Advertisement Kemi Badenoch: ‘Separatist ghettos’ threaten integration George Madgwick, a Hampshire Reform UK councillor, wrote on X: “I can not believe the British Government have allowed a boat of illegal migrants to dock in the Home of the Royal Navy here in Portsmouth Harbour, Gosport. This makes me feel physically sick. They wonder why local people are angry. This is why. Not far right thugs. Normal local families and people horrified at what they are witnessing. When will this end?” Top stories 1 Six thrilling Costa Rica trips with Times Holidays Promoted content Earlier Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative MP for Gosport, had said there was “nothing to suggest” that the boat was expected to land in Hampshire but police were “making preparations should that situation change”. Caroline Dinenage Alamy Hampshire Police implemented a dispersal order to cover the town of Gosport, which was in place until 7am on Tuesday. The order gives officers the power to order a person to leave the area with no return within a specified time period. The force also imposed conditions under the Public Order Act as well as powers prohibiting the wearing of face coverings. Advertisement A UK government spokesperson said: “The Border Security Command works around the clock to monitor the Channel and protect our border. It is vital we continue to detain, check and process every small boat arrival.” Daily Briefing newsletter Get our top stories and exclusive analysis sent straight to your inbox every morning. Sign up with one click You’ve successfully signed up to the Daily Briefing newsletter Explore our newsletters An error occurred. Please use the link below. Daily Briefing newsletter Explore our newsletters Last month British rescue boats collected the passengers of a migrant dinghy that had spent about 30 hours at sea after setting off from Normandy. The 51 migrants, who had refused help from the French coastguard, arrived in Dover after being transferred to Border Security Command boats. It was initially expected the migrants would be taken to Gosport, with hundreds of protesters gathering after coaches and ambulances were spotted in the area. Six people were arrested by officers. The provisional total for Channel crossings this year is 19,451, which is down 43 per cent on this time last year and 23 per cent below the figure at this stage in 2024.