Far-right activists hold two disruptive demonstrations in Dover and Portsmouth over the weekend, with protesters attempting to obstruct asylum seekers arriving on small boats from France. Accounts describe many participants wearing all black clothing and balaclavas. The events take place as people continue to arrive in the UK by sea, with local disruption linked to the protests.
The Guardian outlets report that the activity appears to be organised by Daniel Thomas, also known as “Danny Tommo,” described as an agitator with close ties to far-right extremist Tommy Robinson. Footage cited by the outlets includes Thomas saying Portsmouth is now “ground zero” for small boat crossings and making threats of further action. Across the two pieces, the emphasis is on identifying the organiser and linking the demonstrations to broader far-right networks, while also characterising the protests as obstructive and confrontational.
Both reports describe the demonstrations as part of a wider pattern of protest around small-boat crossings and asylum arrivals, but they differ mainly in framing, with one focusing on the latest developments and the other on the organiser’s background.
