Use all powers necessary on anti-migrant protests, home secretary tells police
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The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has instructed police chiefs to take robust action against anti-migrant protests, utilizing all available powers. This comes after recent demonstrations in Dover and Portsmouth, described as "unacceptable disorder" by the Home Office.
In a meeting on Thursday, Mahmood expressed concern over the presence of masked activists and the potential for intimidation of communities. She requested assurances that police are prepared to act swiftly and effectively against far-right groups.
The protests in Dover and Portsmouth involved blocking roads and attempting to impede migrant processing. The Home Secretary noted the "fear factor" instilled by protesters dressed in black with balaclavas, stating: "This makes it different from other protests, so we need to make sure we are learning lessons."
Police chiefs are considering banning face coverings in specific areas using recently granted powers, in response to the Portsmouth protest. The meeting also discussed the emergence of the Patriot Platform, a group believed to aim to intimidate communities.
Mahmood emphasized the government's expectation for police to utilize their powers fully and address any criminal offenses during these protests. With recent changes to protest laws, officers can now intervene more quickly and designate areas as mask-free zones.
Police are also enhancing intelligence gathering ahead of potential future demonstrations.