Police ready to ban masks at anti-migration protests

Police forces are prepared to implement powers that would ban face coverings at anti-migration protests, Deputy Chief Constable Andy Mariner, the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s national lead for policing protests, has stated. He told the Press Association that anyone engaging in criminal activity at such events should anticipate police action. This comes after recent demonstrations in Dover and Portsmouth where masked individuals caused disruption and, in Portsmouth, led to damage to police vehicles and injuries to officers.

Powers to ban face coverings

Mr Mariner acknowledged that it can be challenging for commanders to utilise powers to stop individuals wearing face coverings. However, he confirmed that officers are ready to deploy this legislation if the circumstances allow. The Home Secretary has indicated her expectation that police will make full use of their authority to prevent protesters from concealing their identities. The government believes that protesters wearing face coverings at the Dover demonstration could have been arrested, as police powers allow senior officers to declare protest areas where concealing identity becomes an offence, though this specific action was not taken in Dover.

Concerns over intimidation

The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has warned that protesters are attempting to intimidate communities. She noted that the appearance of masked individuals can create a sense of fear and communicate malign intent to residents, distinguishing these events from other forms of protest. In response, police chiefs have outlined an enhanced and coordinated approach to intelligence gathering and operational planning to enable a more proactive response if necessary. Forces have shared details of their experiences from the weekend's events to ensure commanders nationwide are prepared.

Organisers and consequences

Daniel Thomas, founder of the anti-migration group Patriot Platform, has been identified as an organiser of the Dover demonstration. He was also a leader of the Portsmouth protest. Mr Mariner emphasised that while peaceful and lawful protest is a right, any crossing into criminality will be met with firm action, including prosecution where appropriate. He urged protesters to demonstrate peacefully and lawfully, warning that those who breach the law can expect police intervention.

RNLI issues security advice

Separately, the RNLI has issued security advice to its volunteers and staff. The charity reported that its personnel have faced unacceptable abuse from anti-migrant protesters. This has led to warnings for RNLI members not to wear charity branding when out and about, following incidents where the charity was targeted for its work rescuing migrants arriving by small boats.