Protesters clash with police as rescued migrants arrive
In Gosport, Hampshire, people demonstrating against migration clashed with officers while opposing the rescue of roughly 150 individuals attempting to cross to the UK in a small boat. The crowd assembled in the south coast town once word circulated that the vessel was due to arrive. Demonstrators had focused on the town a second time following rumours that those rescued would be put ashore there. After being carried on two RNLI vessels late on Sunday evening, a number of the rescued were observed reaching a Gosport marina.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6][S8]
Ship tracking data indicated that French rescue craft kept watch over the dinghy during its time in the Channel, before RNLI boats intercepted it once it entered English waters. According to the Home Office, 149 migrants were thought to have been aboard. The department stated that the Border Security Command operates continuously to safeguard the border, and that contingency arrangements were in place to safely bring ashore, examine and handle every small boat arrival. Those migrants would be moved to short-term holding sites in Kent for processing and rigorous health, security and biometric screening.[S1][S7]
Police powers and previous protests
Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary said on Sunday that it had sent officers to Gosport to assist partners should an emergency arise at sea. Ambulances and coaches were likewise spotted nearby. The force set conditions under the Public Order Act and applied powers that banned face coverings. Protesters had gathered close to Haslar Marina, where the mood was largely calm, although flares were reportedly set off and there were some scuffles with police.[S1]
Comparable scenes occurred last month, when protesters assembled in the area anticipating that migrants would arrive by dinghy, only for them to be taken to Dover by sea in the end. Crossings departing from such a westerly point on the northern French coast have seldom happened in recent years, yet this was the third in a single month. In September, British rescue vessels picked up passengers from a dinghy that had been at sea for roughly 30 hours after leaving Normandy. The 51 people, who had turned down assistance from the French coastguard, reached Dover after being moved onto Border Security Command boats. They had been expected to be brought to Gosport, and hundreds of protesters gathered once coaches and ambulances appeared in the area. That evening, officers arrested six people.[S1]
Crossing totals and context
So far this year, the provisional number of Channel crossings stands at 19,451. That represents a 43% decrease compared with the same point last year, and is 23% lower than the total recorded at the equivalent time in 2024.[S1]
