Around 300 far-right anti-immigration protesters clashed with police at Haslar Marina in Hampshire on Sunday evening after up to 149 migrants arrived in the UK on a single small boat. Six people were arrested at the demonstration, and officers faced verbal abuse and physical scuffles.
Protest at Haslar Marina
Protesters gathered around Haslar Marina after rumours that a small boat carrying migrants was due to land in the area on Sunday evening (October 4). Footage shared online appeared to show fences being erected in front of emergency vehicles and officers facing abuse. The migrants arrived at around 10.15pm.
Agitators advanced in front of numerous police vehicles, stopping them from moving. Flares were set off during the ordeal, and numerous scuffles between police and protesters broke out. Far-right protesters were heard yelling “shame on you” and “deport the lot” during the demonstration.
Home Office confirms arrivals
The Home Office has confirmed that up to 149 migrants arrived in the UK after their dinghy was followed by French rescue vessels from Normandy. The boat was brought in by two RNLI boats to the south coast.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said it had deployed officers to Gosport to “support our partners in the event of an emergency at sea”. The force imposed conditions under the Public Order Act alongside powers prohibiting the wearing of face coverings.
Government response
A government spokesperson said: “The Border Security Command works around the clock to protect our border. We have established contingency plans to make sure we can securely disembark, check and process all small boat arrivals.”
The spokesperson added: “Migrants will be transported to short term holding facilities in Kent where they will be processed as normal and undergo stringent health, security and biometric checks.” Ambulances and coaches were spotted in the area, and the Home Office confirmed the migrants will be processed in Kent.
The development comes after a previous dinghy arrived on UK shores after spending 30 hours at sea after departing from Normandy. That boat eventually arrived in Dover after the vessel refused assistance from the French coastguard.
A government spokesman 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.” Official figures show the number of small boat arrivals remains significantly lower than at the same point last year.
