On Saturday morning, a large group of people dressed in black and wearing balaclavas blocked the road at the Port of Dover in Kent, forcing closures in both directions. Kent police said they were at the scene and engaging with the protest, which the Port of Dover described as a “public order incident.” No arrests were made. An anti-immigration group with links to the far right appears to have claimed responsibility for the demonstration.
The government condemned the protesters’ behavior and the travel disruption they caused. Traffic on the A20, the main road in and out of the port, was halted, leading to delays of up to 30 minutes and four miles of congestion, according to National Highways.
Videos and photos shared online showed a large group of masked people in black marching on the road, while lorries waited in traffic next to police cars. By Saturday lunchtime, the protesters had dispersed, and access roads to the port were “free flowing,” according to the Port of Dover. Ferry operators said they would put those delayed by the disruption on the next available sailings.
The exact number of people involved was unclear. One person livestreaming the event estimated he was marching alongside hundreds of others. The Press Association reported dozens in attendance, but police have not given an official estimate.
Videos on social media showed demonstrators linking arms to block the A20 and shouting “stop the boats.” They were also seen marching along the road, chanting “England till I die.”
A group called Patriot Platform, which describes itself as having “a fierce love for our homeland,” appeared to claim responsibility for the blockade on social media. Far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, shared multiple videos of the blockade and highlighted a live stream that directed viewers to Patriot Platform. In his posts, Robinson encouraged more people to join, saying “get there to support them.” He also wrote: “Simultaneously at different locations across Dover patriots have mobilised to close down the port. There are 3 plus locations that patriots have shut down so far with many more planned to be closed. People wanted action I’m guessing there are 100,000’s of men willing to fill their shoes.”
The founder of Patriot Platform, Danny Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo, posted on social media “live Dover somethings [sic] happening” and shared a live stream. In a video from 2 September, he told his followers he was meeting with “a huge group [of] top, proper patriots” to prepare for a message he planned to send to the government. He said: “Very, very soon, we are going to send a message that will make sure they understand that we will not go down without a fight. We will not allow our nation to be plagued in the way that it is. And when you see it and when you feel it, I guarantee the whole thing will change for the better. Because once the message is sent once, imagine the sheer numbers that will be sent on the second, the third, the fourth message.”
He added: “From the hills of Scotland to the fields of Wales to the streets of Northern Ireland and to the towns and cities of England, we are building something that’s never been built before. And when you’re part of it and you see what’s about to go down, you will understand … we’re about to show you what can be done when men and women of this country, who have the blood that runs through them like their grandfathers, get off their asses and do something about it.”
On Saturday morning, the Port of Dover confirmed in a statement that the disruption was affecting “all routes” in and out, as well as around the town, and that it was in contact with the police.The Port of Dover has confirmed that a public order incident is currently taking place in the town. This is affecting both the local community and our customers, so we are hoping for a quick resolution.
Nathan Ditchburn, who was heading to work when he saw the group arrive around 6:45am, told KentOnline: “I’d say there are about 300 men, maybe more. No one will speak; they just handed me a piece of paper to read. They’ve blocked off every entrance and exit to the port area, and Jubilee Way is also blocked. This is going to cause major delays for the ferries today.”
The local parkrun group cancelled its Dover Waterfront event, telling runners the course was unsafe or blocked. A spokesperson told KentOnline: “Unfortunately, we’re going to cancel this morning. There’s major disruption from some protesters.”
Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, criticised what he called “idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption.” In a Facebook post, he said: “Parkrun is cancelled and port access is disrupted. I’m fed up with idiots coming to Dover to cause trouble. I bet if you asked any of those ‘protesters,’ they wouldn’t know that small boat crossings are down by 40% and we’re working hard to fix the situation. Go home, enjoy your weekend, or get a job.”
Chris Vinson, leader of the Conservative group on Dover District Council, said the protest seemed to be related to “illegal migration,” but noted the demonstrators didn’t appear to have signs or banners. He said: “I’m not aware of any violence, though having your vehicle blocked by men in black paramilitary gear and balaclavas is clearly very intimidating, especially when it’s unclear why they’re there, and the police weren’t aware, so they couldn’t warn people in advance or ensure they felt safe. I know people who worked night shifts at the port are being prevented from leaving because they fear for their safety.”
A local Reform UK councillor, Paul King, advised residents to stay away from the port area. He said: “I’ve been told it’s a stop the boats protest.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to our democracy, but we condemn the behaviour in Dover and the travel disruption it has caused. We understand the frustration of those affected today. Access to the port has now been restored and traffic is moving again. Those travelling to the port are advised to allow extra time and follow guidance from providers. We thank the police and travel providers, who we continue to work with to ensure the safety of passengers and the wider community.”
The shipping company DFDS said: “We are aware of the current traffic disruption affecting access to the port. Rest assured, we will get you on the next departure once you arrive.”
P&O Ferries said its sailings were still running as scheduled, adding that anyone who missed their departure would be offered the next available crossing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the scenario you provided written in a natural and accessible tone
General Questions
Q What is happening at the Port of Dover
A A group of protesters who are dressed in black and wearing balaclavas have physically blocked a road leading to the Port of Dover in Kent This is stopping traffic from getting in or out of the port
Q Who are these protesters
A While official confirmation is usually pending protests involving black clothing and balaclavas are often associated with environmental groups like Just Stop Oil or Extinction Rebellion though it could be another activist group Police are usually on the scene to identify them
Q Why are they blocking the road
A The specific reason is usually announced by the group themselves In recent times similar blockades have been to demand government action on climate change or to protest against fossil fuels The goal is to cause disruption to force media attention and public awareness
Q Is this dangerous
A Blocking a major road is dangerous It poses a risk to the protesters themselves to drivers who might not stop in time and it prevents emergency vehicles from getting through Police treat this as a serious public order and safety issue
Impact Logistics
Q How long will the port be closed
A It is impossible to say for sure It depends on how quickly the police can negotiate with the protesters or physically remove them It could last a few hours or in some past cases several days
Q Im supposed to catch a ferry today Will I be affected
A Very likely yes You should expect severe delays or cancellations It is highly recommended that you check with your ferry operator for the latest updates before you travel to the port
Q Im stuck in traffic behind the blockade What should I do
A Stay in your vehicle do not engage with the protesters and follow the instructions of the police on the scene They will manage the traffic and may direct you to turn around or take a detour
Q Is there an alternative route into the port
