Politics
New anti-migrant movement Patriot Platform launches masked protests in Dover and Portsmouth
September 12, 2026 at 05:55 AM · Updated 34d ago
Coverage
4 reports · over 15 hours
BNBBC News
Rival protests in Portsmouth as face masks banned
(opens the publisher’s site)
BNBBC News
Man in court following anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth
(opens the publisher’s site)
TGThe Guardian
From black-clad agitators to an appeal for ‘Tommo’s Mum’: an unsettling week with the Patriot Platform
(opens the publisher’s site)
BNBBC News
Masked men, lorries and road blocks: How anti-migrant activists are changing tactics
(opens the publisher’s site)A new far-right movement, Patriot Platform, staged militarised masked protests at British ports, drawing government and political condemnation.
- On Saturday, dozens of men in balaclavas and black clothing blocked roads around Dover port chanting "Stop the boats" and "Christ is king."
- On Sunday, leader Danny Thomas and several hundred masked protesters in Portsmouth tried to block coaches collecting asylum seekers from a boat landing.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Thursday that police should make full use of powers to ban face coverings at protests, citing a "fear factor" for residents.
- Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the display "disgusting," saying no one should wear balaclavas at political protests.
Latest developments
- Sep 12 — Del Leon Somerville, 42, has appeared in court charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police officer at the 6 September Portsmouth protest and been remanded in custody.