A large group of masked protesters blocked access to the Port of Dover on Saturday, disrupting ferry services and causing traffic delays of up to 45 minutes. Kent Police confirmed they are engaging with the protesters, who are dressed in black and wearing face coverings, and traffic is stopped in both directions on the A20. P&O Ferries and DFDS have stated they will accommodate passengers on the next available sailing if they miss their scheduled crossing, while Southeastern rail has offered similar accommodations to delayed travelers.
Images from the scene show hundreds of protesters milling around roads and roundabouts near the port. National Highways reports three to four miles of congestion and delays of up to 30-45 minutes. The Port of Dover confirmed the “ongoing public order incident” is affecting all routes in and out of the town.
Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, criticized the disruption, stating he was “fed up with idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption” and noting that small boat crossings are down 40%. One holidaymaker told The Sun they were unable to reach their ferry to France as the protesters stopped their coach, and reported a car struck some of the protesters.
Left and right-leaning outlets both reported the disruption, but diverge in their framing. Left-leaning sources focus on the immediate impact to travelers and the community, while right-leaning coverage emphasizes Tapp’s criticism of the protesters and the decline in small boat crossings. The reason for the protest remains unclear, and it is unknown how long the disruption will last.
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