A Dover ferry protest involving dozens of masked men dressed in black caused delays at the Port of Dover on Saturday morning. The demonstration disrupted access around the Kent town and affected ferry passengers travelling between Britain and mainland Europe.
Kent Police said officers attended the scene and engaged with the protesters. The force later confirmed that no arrests took place. It also said everyone involved had left the area by midday.
The Port of Dover described the situation as an “ongoing public order incident.” The disruption affected roads across the town and routes leading to the port. Dover serves as a major passenger hub for ferry travel between Britain and mainland Europe.
Port authorities later confirmed that operations had returned to normal. Routes into and out of Dover reopened, while traffic began moving freely again.
Ferry Services Face Delays
The disruption affected ferry passengers during the morning. P&O Ferries, which runs services between Dover and Calais, reported delays of up to one hour.
Videos shared online showed protesters gathering around the Kent town. Many wore balaclavas, hoods and hats. Some protesters could also be heard chanting during the demonstration.
The protest came amid Britain’s ongoing debate over migrant Channel crossings. Small boats have carried migrants from northern France to the UK in recent years. The issue remains a major political and social concern.
Tommy Robinson Shares Protest Video
Far-right anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson shared footage of the protest on X. In his post, he described those taking part as “British patriots.”
Robinson also praised the size of the gathering. He called for supporters to organise further protests and said they wanted their country back.
His comments drew criticism from local political figures. Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, criticised the protesters and urged them to leave the town.
Tapp said the demonstration had created problems for local residents. He pointed to the cancellation of the Dover Park Run and disruption around the port.
Police Confirm Protesters Dispersed
Tapp also questioned the protesters’ focus on small-boat crossings. He said the number of Channel crossings had fallen significantly and argued that the demonstrators should consider the latest figures.
Kent Police continued to monitor the situation throughout the morning. Officers worked to manage the public order incident and maintain access around the port.
By midday, the protesters had dispersed. Police confirmed that traffic was flowing normally and that officers had made no arrests.
The disruption was temporary, but it caused delays for ferry passengers and affected movement around one of Britain’s busiest international transport hubs. Dover remains a key link between the UK and mainland Europe.
