Hundreds of far-right protesters descend on Portsmouth after small boat arrival
Influencer livestreams event calling for men to travel to port to block coaches carrying asylum seekers from leaving
TL;DR
- Hundreds of far-right activists gathered in Portsmouth following the interception of a boat carrying 140 asylum seekers.
- Protesters blocked roads, attempting to prevent asylum seekers from reaching a processing center.
- The government condemned the "intimidating and thuggish behaviour" of the protesters.
- A livestreamer encouraged viewers to join the protest and block the coaches carrying asylum seekers.
- This protest follows a similar anti-migrant rally in Dover the previous day.
- Small boat crossings have reduced by over 40% this year, but methods are evolving, making crossings more dangerous.
- The government highlighted efforts to prevent crossings and announced a deal with France to increase patrols.
- Two police cars had their windscreens smashed by protesters, and a police cordon was breached.