Anti-migrant protesters scuffled with police in Gosport after roughly 149 people were brought ashore at Haslar Marina overnight following an English Channel crossing. The arrival sparked local outrage, with protesters chanting “send them back”.
New crossing route from Normandy
On Sunday, multiple dinghies departed from Normandy for the UK, as migrants take longer, more dangerous crossing routes from beaches further west of Calais. A dinghy was shadowed by French vessels before two RNLI boats brought the migrants ashore.
Arrests and dispersal order
Police established cordons, resulting in six people being arrested following clashes. A dispersal order was implemented alongside a face-covering ban. Authorities dispatched ambulances and coaches to the marina.
Processing in Kent and local criticism
The newly arrived individuals will be transported for processing in Kent to undergo standard health, security and biometric checks. Gosport’s Conservative MP, Caroline Dinenage, heavily criticised the Home Office's response, arguing that the town lacks the hospital and transport infrastructure for disembarkations, and demanded future boats are redirected to Dover.
