Hundreds Rally in Dover for Anti-Immigration Protest – Heavy Police Presence Keeps Peace
Massive Turnout for ‘Stop the Boats’ Rally
Hundreds of protesters flooded Dover today for a heated anti-immigration demonstration. More than 900 vowed to attend the event, titled “Stop the boats now! 10,000+ bikers and friends illegal migrant protest ride to Dover,” organised by Kent Motor Heads Events. The show of force was met with a sizeable counter-protest of around 25 activists from Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) at Market Square.
Kent Police were out in force, determined to prevent a repeat of the violence seen in past years. Despite some fiery exchanges and chanting, they confirmed no arrests were made and praised local residents for their calm.
Tense But Peaceful Demonstrations
Police lined key town areas like Market Square and Townwall Street. The anti-immigration crowd shouted slogans including “Get them out,” “We want our country back,” and “Send them home.” In response, counter-protesters held banners declaring “Refugees are welcome here” and “Blame billionaires, not migrants.”
The charged atmosphere was a far cry from the violent riots in January 2016. Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi of the National Education Union commented:
“We need to build solidarity in our communities. Refugees are fleeing for safety and deserve compassion, not hatred.”
Far-Right Figures and Bikers Lead the Charge
The rally drew some well-known far-right figures like Britain First leader Paul Golding, who slammed government immigration policies. Local activist Steve Laws declared:
“The landscape has changed. People have woken up to the issues surrounding immigration.”
Many participants came from biker groups, converging at Townwall Street car park before marching through the town and seafront.
Former councillor and counter-protester Keith Sansum warned against simplistic solutions:
“You can’t have the RNLI pick people up at sea and take them back to Africa.”
Political Figures Respond, Police Praise Dover’s Calm
Local Labour MP Mike Tapp urged visitors to support Dover’s businesses and avoid disruption. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was monitoring the situation and called for respectful discussion on immigration.
Kent Police released a statement:
“We would like to thank residents in Dover for their patience and understanding during today’s protests, which have now concluded and passed without major incident.”
By early afternoon, the counter-protest had dispersed, and many protesters headed to local pubs, celebrating a peaceful rally.
Dover remains a hotspot in Britain’s immigration debate, but today’s events showed the town’s resolve to keep protests passionate but peaceful.
