Masked Protesters Block Port of Dover in 'Stop the Boats' Demonstration

The Port of Dover, one of Britain's busiest freight and passenger crossings, was brought to a standstill on Saturday morning after hundreds of masked demonstrators blocked roads in and around the terminal. The protesters, dressed uniformly in black and wearing face coverings, chanted "stop the boats" and prevented traffic from moving in or out of the port.

Hours of Disruption

The demonstration began at around 07:00 BST and lasted several hours before Kent Police managed to move the crowd towards Dover Priory railway station. Officers made no arrests, describing it as a "spontaneous" protest. The Port of Dover later confirmed that operations had returned to normal and all routes into the town had reopened.

Travellers caught in the disruption described scenes of chaos. Tour guide Rafael Pittman, who had been waiting to collect tourists who had docked at Dover, said the area was "absolute chaos" for the three hours he was there. "Passengers didn't disembark and we couldn't enter the terminal as it was blocked by freight trucks," he said.

Political Reaction

The government condemned "the behaviour in Dover and the travel disruption it has caused." Dover and Deal MP Mike Tapp described the incident as causing "absolutely awful disruption" for local residents, adding that crossing numbers were down 40% and the situation was being addressed.

Anti-hate group Hope Not Hate claimed that an organisation called Patriot Platform, which began meeting in July, had arranged the protest and brought together members of anti-migrant groups from around the country. Reform UK councillor Paul King for Dover West confirmed it was a "stop the boats protest."

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, speaking separately at his party's conference, condemned the protesters and said he "deplored" anyone wearing masks or balaclavas at public demonstrations.