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Policing minister Sarah Jones blamed the Conservatives for the frustration seen in communities following anti-migrant protests in Dover and Portsmouth. The unrest in Portsmouth overnight on Sunday resulted in damaged official vehicles and injuries to several police officers after a stand-off with masked demonstrators. Protests in Dover on Saturday blocked access to the Port of Dover, drawing condemnation from all political parties.
Jones warned protesters who step into illegality would face the full force of the law and labeled Patriot Platform, the group organizing the Dover event, as 'far-right racist.' She addressed MPs on Monday, noting around 120 migrants arrived by boat near the Isle of Wight, followed by over 200 protesters blocking three coaches transporting them. Jones claimed this frustration stems from past chaos and crisis, saying the government has since taken action to address the issue. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp countered by advocating for ending the ECHR and deporting illegal immigrants immediately.
Former Conservative Home Secretary Suella Braverman criticized the government’s response, calling it 'pathetic,' and accused it of distributing leaflets to migrants warning them not to rape British women. Hampshire Police Federation chairman Spencer Wragg described the scenes as 'criminal behavior' and noted officers faced intimidation. Kent Police said the only offense under investigation was road damage.
Jones also mentioned a trend of migrants leaving France to launch further west, aiming to reach Manston arrivals center in Kent. Police were criticized for not being prepared for the disorder, with Liberal Democrats demanding a review of intelligence failures.
Source: The Independent
