Jump to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleHolly BancroftThursday 10 September 2026 23:29 BSTMasked men block road at Port of Dover in major protestHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood has urged police chiefs to take robust action against anti-migrant demonstrators wearing balaclavas ahead of planned weekend protests.The intervention follows criticism over the lack of arrests after far-right protesters blocked roads in Dover and clashed with officers and RNLI volunteers in Portsmouth last weekend.Ms Mahmood emphasised that police must fully utilise existing powers to stop protesters concealing their identities, highlighting the fear caused by masked groups.Police chiefs confirmed they are implementing an enhanced, co-ordinated intelligence and operational strategy to proactively address far-right tactics.Security warnings have been issued to RNLI volunteers advising them not to wear charity branding following unacceptable abuse from anti-migrant demonstrators.In fullHome secretary orders police to take stronger action on protesters wearing balaclavas as forces brace for more unrestMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in