Anti-migrant demonstrators and counter-protesters gathered in Dover on Saturday under a temporary face-covering ban enforced by Kent Police. The force estimated about 100 anti-migrant protesters and fewer than 100 counter-protesters attended, and reported no arrests. The ban ran from 08:00 to 21:00 BST in parts of Dover, with exemptions for religious, medical and work reasons. Police said they deployed a substantial number of highly trained officers and that lessons had been learned after a disruptive September protest.
Dover Protests: Face-Covering Ban Enforced As Anti-Migrant March Meets Counter- Demonstration
Kent Police believed about 100 anti-migrant protesters turned up in Dover on Saturday [PA Media]
Anti-immigration demonstrators gathered in Dover on Saturday as Kent Police enforced a temporary ban on face coverings and deployed a large number of officers to limit disruption.
Police vehicles were positioned along the roads outside Dover Priory Station, the march’s starting point. Kent Police described their preparations as "robust" and said they were aimed at keeping disruption to a minimum after a protest in September caused major delays at the Port of Dover.
Counter-protesters also turned out in Dover [PA Media]
Numbers, Arrests and Areas Affected
A force spokesperson estimated about 100 anti-migrant protesters took part. A counter-protest at Pencester Gardens drew fewer than 100 people, and Kent Police said no arrests had been made on the day.
The temporary ban on face coverings applied from 08:00 to 21:00 BST for people participating in the demonstration. The restriction covered parts of Dover, including Buckland, Whitfield, Guston, St Margaret's-at-Cliffe and surrounding areas. Exemptions were made for face coverings worn for religious, medical or work-related reasons.
Kent Police said no arrests had been made so far [PA Media]
Police Response And Context
Kent Police said a "substantial" number of highly trained officers were stationed in the town centre. On social media the force said it understood the impact protests can have on residents and businesses and that it would not tolerate disorder.
"We understand the impact of protests on the residents and businesses of Dover and will not stand for any disorder that may occur," Kent Police said.
Demonstrations are common in Dover, where people recovered from small boats in the English Channel are brought ashore. In September, masked individuals at a separate demonstration near the port chanted "stop the boats" and caused significant disruption, which prompted criticism of the police response at the time. Kent Police said lessons had been learned and that its operational response had been improved.
Demonstrations in Dover are common, where migrants from small boats are brought ashore [PA Media]
On the same day, groups including South Coast Patriots and anti-racism campaigners from Southampton Stand Up To Racism also gathered in Southampton city centre.
What To Watch: Police operations, any further statements from Kent Police, and any local traffic or port advisories that may follow ongoing or future demonstrations.
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