Mahmood urges police to use full powers against far-right protests

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has urged police to make full use of their powers against far-right, anti-migrant protests after demonstrations in Dover and Portsmouth disrupted roads and port traffic. The Guardian reported that officers were allegedly assaulted during the Portsmouth protest.

Speaking to senior officers at an online meeting on Thursday, Mahmood called for stronger deterrence, improved intelligence and a robust response where criminal offences are committed. Police reportedly believe both demonstrations were far-right inspired, although the extent of organisational involvement remains unclear.

The protests involved hundreds of masked, black-clad demonstrators opposing small-boat arrivals. In Dover, roads were blocked for several hours, while protesters in Portsmouth disrupted traffic after a dinghy carrying 120 asylum seekers was rescued near the Solent. No arrests were reported at either demonstration.

Police are preparing an enhanced, co-ordinated response ahead of further demonstrations predicted this weekend. Mahmood called for fuller use of body-worn video, CCTV, automatic number-plate recognition, facial-recognition technology and other intelligence material to support investigations and identify alleged offenders.

Hampshire police may use powers under the Crime and Policing Act, which took effect in April, to establish a mask-free protest zone in Portsmouth. The restrictions apply to people concealing their identity and exempt coverings required for religious, health or work reasons. Breaches can attract a fine of up to £1,000, one month’s imprisonment, or both.

The RNLI has also advised staff and volunteers not to wear charity branding after reported abuse and targeting by anti-migrant protesters. The charity said its workers had been targeted after helping people brought ashore in Portsmouth.