Masked men block Dover roads in protest against small-boat migrant arrivals

Dover’s roads were brought close to a standstill on Saturday when hundreds of masked men in black clothing blocked routes and roundabouts near one of Britain’s most important ferry ports. They were protesting arrivals of migrants in small boats from France.

Videos posted on social media showed groups of men wearing balaclavas blocking roads close to the port. Local councillor Chris Vinson said the protest appeared coordinated and that participants seemed to have arrived in rented vans. He said they carried no banners or placards.

The blockade left many people trapped in traffic. Some port workers finishing night shifts could not leave the area because they feared for their safety. “I’m not aware that there was any violence, but when your route is blocked by men in black paramilitary clothing and balaclavas, it is extremely frightening,” Vinson said.

Kent Police said officers were aware of the protest and were speaking with demonstrators. The Port of Dover said the incident affected every road into and out of the port, as well as traffic within the town. National Highways reported queues of about four miles, or 6.4 kilometres, and delays of up to 45 minutes.

Ferry services continued. P&O Ferries and DFDS said passengers who missed departures because of the traffic problems would be moved to the next available sailing. Access to the port gradually returned during the morning, and traffic began to normalise. Labour MP Mike Tapp criticised the protesters for causing traffic chaos, while the Home Office condemned the disruption and said peaceful protest remained a fundamental democratic right.

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I’m not aware that there was any violence, but when your route is blocked by men in black paramilitary clothing and balaclavas, it is extremely frightening.