Police urged to review protest response after Downing Street intervention

Downing Street has urged police to urgently examine whether more could have been done to utilise intelligence and deploy a wider range of tactics during anti-migrant protests over the past weekend. The call comes after demonstrations in Dover and Portsmouth led to significant disruption and prompted reviews into police responses.

Protests and Police Response

On Saturday, masked activists caused Dover to come to a standstill. A further protest occurred in Portsmouth on Sunday, where approximately 200 demonstrators attempted to obstruct the movement of migrants being transported for processing. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is now investigating potential assaults on officers and criminal damage that occurred during the Portsmouth event.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman stated on Wednesday that it was appropriate for police to consider if more could have been done with available intelligence and tactics to provide a more reassuring public response. Ministers are engaging with forces to seek reassurance on these matters, and forces are expected to learn from any identified lessons.

Kent Police Review

Questions have been raised about Kent Police's management of the Dover demonstration. It is understood the Government believes protesters wearing face coverings could have been arrested, as police powers allow for identification offences in declared protest areas, a measure not implemented at the weekend. Kent Police, however, stated that the only potential crime under investigation was damage to a road.

Kent Police has requested the College of Policing to conduct a learning review of its handling of the Dover protest. This follows reports that villagers in Preston-next-Wingham had contacted the force about activists in the area. One report indicated that police were informed of concerns about potential threats to Muslims.

The force acknowledged receiving non-emergency information late on Friday evening about a potential protest. While this information was not fully assessed and could have informed resourcing decisions, Kent Police stated it would not have prevented the lawful protest or the subsequent disruption. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed it was investigating potential assaults on officers and criminal damage.

Next Steps

The College of Policing will carry out a learning review into Kent Police's handling of the protest. The Home Secretary expects police forces to be better prepared for future events. Downing Street has asked police to consider if more could have been done to act on intelligence and deploy a wider range of tactics.