Hundreds Protest Migrant Boat Arrival in Portsmouth

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Portsmouth on Sunday evening, September 6, 2026, vowing to block routes and prevent migrants who arrived in a small boat from being taken to a processing center. The dinghy, believed to be carrying approximately 140 men, prompted a significant response from emergency services as it approached the Hampshire coast. Videos circulating on social media showed groups of people being brought ashore via lifeboats near Eastney Marina, where several coaches were parked. More than 500 demonstrators joined the protest, with some dressed in black attire similar to those who participated in an anti-migrant demonstration at the Port of Dover the previous day. Protesters blocked roads leading away from the port, prompting Hampshire Police to urge people to avoid the area and implement a dispersal order. Daniel Thomas, an activist who livestreamed from Eastney beach, stated that roads were blocked and expressed a sentiment of not accepting further migrant arrivals. Councillor George Madgwick, leader of Reform UK in Hampshire, reported that over 100 migrant men had arrived.