UK Orders Police to Use Full Powers Against Anti-Migrant Protests as 200 Blocked Portsmouth Road
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 10
UK Orders Police to Use Full Powers Against Anti-Migrant Protests as 200 Blocked Portsmouth Road
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 10
Summary
Shabana Mahmood told police chiefs to act quickly and use all available powers against anti-migrant protests after disorder in Dover and Portsmouth, demanding robust action over any criminal offences.
Kent Police had warning of the Dover demonstration but did not fully assess it before protesters brought the port road to a standstill, prompting Mahmood to press forces to improve intelligence and planning before this weekend.
Police chiefs are now considering face covering bans in designated protest areas under recently expanded protest laws, alongside powers to end demonstrations that block critical infrastructure such as port roads.
About 200 protesters blocked the only road out of Langstone Harbour on Sunday after the RNLI brought ashore 120 migrants, and ministers say the Patriot Platform network is seeking to intimidate communities as more rallies are discussed.