Police in Gosport introduced emergency public-order powers and arrested six people after 149 migrants were brought ashore over the weekend, prompting protests and fresh debate over how authorities handle small-boat arrivals.
The migrants were brought in by an RNLI vessel following a Channel crossing and underwent initial medical checks before being transferred to a main processing facility in Kent.
Protests and dispersal powers
Demonstrations near Haslar Marina and the waterfront on Sunday night drew between 100 and 150 local protesters, leading to a stand-off with police. Flares were reportedly set off during the protest.
Hampshire Constabulary subsequently brought emergency public-order powers into effect. A town-wide Section 35 dispersal order was introduced, giving officers powers to direct people to leave an area. Police also designated Walpole car park under a Section 14 order of the Public Order Act as the location for peaceful protests. Six people were arrested for alleged public order offences.
Calls to change arrival routes
The incident has raised questions over how police should balance public safety and the right to protest when small-boat arrivals take place in towns. Supporters of the measures argue dispersal powers are needed to prevent demonstrations from escalating and to allow emergency services and officials to deal with arrivals safely. Others question whether such restrictions go too far when residents want to demonstrate opposition to the Government's approach to Channel crossings.
Local representatives, including Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage, have urged the Home Office and Border Force to route arrivals directly to primary processing facilities in Kent or Dover, rather than Solent ports such as Gosport. The latest events follow a similar incident on September 22, when reports of a possible landing near Fort Blockhouse prompted protests before the vessel was diverted to Dover.
