A large group of people dressed in black and wearing balaclavas blocked the road at the port of Dover in Kent on Saturday, forcing closures in both directions on the A20. The protest, described as a “public order incident” by the Port of Dover, brought traffic in and out of the port to a halt, with National Highways reporting delays of up to 30 minutes and four miles of congestion.
Kent police said they were aware of the protest and that officers were in attendance and engaging with the group. Videos and pictures shared online showed masked individuals standing on the road in a large group, with lorries waiting in traffic next to police cars. Some estimates suggested around 300 people had gathered, although this figure was not confirmed by police.
Port of Dover confirms disruption to all routes
The Port of Dover confirmed in a statement that the disruption was affecting “all routes” in and out of the port, as well as around the town, and that it was in touch with the police. The statement read: “The Port of Dover can confirm that there is an ongoing public order incident happening around the town of Dover. This situation is impacting our local community and our customers, so of course we are hoping for a swift resolution.”
Nathan Ditchburn, who was on his way to work when he saw the group arrive at around 6.45am, told KentOnline: “I would say there are around 300 men, maybe more. Nobody will speak; they just handed me a piece of paper to look at. They have blocked off every entrance and exit of the Dover port area, and Jubilee Way is blocked as well. It will be causing huge delays for the ferries today.”
Local events cancelled and political reaction
The local Parkrun group cancelled its Dover Waterfront run, telling local runners the course was unsafe or blocked. A spokesperson told KentOnline: “I am afraid we are going to cancel this morning. We have mass disruption with some protestors.” National Highways said the A20 is closed in both directions in Kent between A256 (York Street) and A2 (Jubilee Way).
Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, criticised the protest, describing the participants as “idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption”. In a post on Facebook, he said: “Park run cancelled and port access disrupted. I am fed up with idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption. I bet if you asked any one of those ‘protesters’ they wouldn’t know small boat crossing are down by 40% and we are working hard to fix the mess. Go home, enjoy your weekend/get a job.”
Ferry companies respond to disruption
A local Reform councillor, Paul King, told residents to avoid the port area. He said: “I’ve been told it’s a stop the boats protest. Speaking to local women, they felt frightened by such a large group of men walking up the street. We don’t condone causing public disturbance by protest. But it’s a very good example of what is happening daily with the boats coming in.”
The shipping company DFDS said: “We are aware of the current traffic disruption affecting access to the port. Rest assured we will accommodate you on to the next departure once you arrive.” P+O Ferries said its sailings were still going ahead as scheduled, adding that those who missed their departure would be offered the next available crossing. The far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reposted a video of the blockade, highlighting a livestream of the protest.
