Hundreds of masked protesters have blocked access to the Port of Dover and the A20 approach, causing major disruption for people travelling by ferry. One motorist said he "feared for his life" as demonstrators surrounded his car.
Kent Police said officers are aware of a protest "currently taking place" at the ferry terminal and are "engaging with protesters". Reform UK councillor John Baker, from Kent County Council, said he believes it is a "stop the boats" protest – but protesters have not confirmed this.
Disruption at the port
The disruption has prevented holidaymakers from entering or leaving the port, with P&O Ferries warning that access is "currently restricted". One motorist, Toby Mackenzie, said in a post on social media: "People dressed in black surrounding my car, pretty much left me fearing for my life."
National Highways says the A20 is closed in both directions between the A256 (York Street) and A2 (Jubilee Way) due to "protest activity" at the port. There are delays of 45 minutes on the approach, with four miles of congestion.
Protest details
Protesters have claimed that around 500 people are taking part in the demonstration, while witnesses have put the figure at around 300. Images taken near the port appear to show hundreds of protesters, all dressed in black and wearing balaclavas.
Witness Nathan Ditchburn said he saw the group arrive at around 6.45am while he was on his way to work. He told KentOnline: "I would say there are around 300 men, maybe more. Nobody will speak; they just handed me a piece of paper to look at. They have blocked off every entrance and exit of the Dover port area, and Jubilee Way is blocked as well. It will be causing huge delays for the ferries today."
Reactions and response
Mike Tapp, the MP for Dover and Deal, said in a post on X that he is "fed up with idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption". "I bet if you asked any one of those 'protesters' they wouldn't know small boat crossing are down by 40%," he added.
Port of Dover said the "ongoing public order incident" is affecting all routes in and out of the port and town. In a statement, it added: "We are in contact with Kent Police to understand the situation. This situation is impacting our local community and our customers, so of course we are hoping for a swift resolution."
P&O Ferries has said that passengers who miss their scheduled crossing today will be able to board the next available service. Ferry operator DFDS said in a post on X that passengers affected by the "current traffic disruption" near the Port of Dover will be able to take the next departure when they arrive.
The Port of Calais has said ships are still being loaded "for the time being", but departures are delayed. A spokesperson for the French port told Sky News: "For the time being, the shipping companies are loading the vessels. Departures are delayed. We'll see how things develop depending on what happens in Dover."
