Black-clad Dover protesters condemned for ‘dressing up in costumes’ by minister

Dozens of masked protesters, identifying with the "stop the boats" movement, blocked roads leading to the Port of Dover on Saturday, causing a brief halt to ferry traffic between England and France. The demonstration, involving individuals dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, chanted slogans against Channel migrant crossings. The UK government condemned the action, stating it exceeded the bounds of peaceful protest and caused travel disruption. Local police engaged with the demonstrators, who had initially obstructed all routes to the port. The protest resulted in a significant traffic jam on the roads leading to Dover. Access to the port was restored around noon, with traffic flowing freely again.

Dozens of masked anti-immigration protesters blocked roads leading to Britain's busiest ferry port in Dover on Saturday, disrupting travellers and cargo vehicles bound for France. The Port of Dover confirmed all traffic was stopped due to an ongoing public order incident, and police were engaging with the demonstrators. Video showed men with covered faces standing across a major road, with some linking arms and chanting "stop the boats." A local Conservative councillor suggested the protest was "illegal migration-related," noting the intimidating nature of the demonstration. The UK government condemned the action, stating it exceeded the bounds of peaceful protest.

On Saturday, a group of masked men blocked the entrance to the Port of Dover, Britain's busiest ferry port, causing a four-mile traffic jam and delays of up to 45 minutes. Police were engaged with the protesters, and the Port of Dover stated that all traffic was stopped due to an ongoing public order incident. The motive of the protesters was not immediately clear, but Dover has been a site of previous anti-immigrant demonstrations. Politicians have commented on the incident, with one Labour lawmaker criticizing the disruption. The government claims that cooperation with France has reduced small boat crossings by over 40% this year compared to 2025.

A large group of individuals dressed in black and wearing balaclavas blocked roads at the port of Dover in Kent on Saturday morning, causing significant traffic disruption. The protest led to the closure of the A20 in both directions, resulting in miles of congestion and delays for ferries. Kent police were in attendance and engaging with the protesters, describing the situation as a "public order incident." The Port of Dover confirmed the disruption impacted all routes in and out of the port and the surrounding town. While the exact number of protesters is unconfirmed, estimates suggest around 300 people gathered. Local MP Mike Tapp criticized the disruption, while a Reform UK councillor suggested it was a "stop the boats" protest. Ferry companies stated they would accommodate passengers who missed departures.