Shabana Mahmood urges police to curb far-right anti-migrant protests

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has instructed police to use all available powers to curb far-right, anti-migrant protests following weekend disorder in Dover and Portsmouth. Mahmood characterized the recent demonstrations, involving individuals in black clothing and balaclavas, as having “obvious malign intent” and creating a “fear factor” for residents.

The protests, which included activists blocking roads and attempting to disrupt the processing of migrants, have prompted discussions among police chiefs regarding the use of recently granted powers to ban face coverings in specific areas. The Home Office noted that the tactics used by groups such as the Patriot Platform appear designed to avoid detection and intimidate communities.

In response to the disruption, Mahmood urged senior officers to improve intelligence gathering and resource deployment to prepare for potential further demonstrations. The government's stance follows criticism regarding the handling of previous protests and the emergence of organized groups aiming to cause public disorder.