Black-clad protesters in balaclavas block road at port of Dover in Kent

Black-clad protesters in balaclavas block road at port of Dover in Kent

Dozens of masked demonstrators dressed in black and wearing balaclavas blocked roads at the port of Dover on Saturday, 5 September 2026, bringing traffic to a standstill and disrupting ferry operations.

The protesters established a blockade on the A20 between the A2 Jubilee Way and the A256 York Street, forcing closures in both directions. According to National Highways, the action resulted in four miles of congestion and delays of up to 30 minutes. The Port of Dover characterized the situation as a public order incident that affected all routes in and out of the port and roads around the town.

Footage shared on social media showed the group linking arms across the A20 and marching along the road. Protesters were heard chanting England till I die and shouting stop the boats.

Kent Police confirmed they were aware of the protest and that officers were in attendance to engage with the group.

Organization and Coordination

A group called Patriot Platform, which describes itself as having a fierce love for our homeland, appeared to claim responsibility for the blockade on social media.

Far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, reposted multiple videos of the blockade and shared a livestream that directed viewers toward Patriot Platform. Robinson encouraged others to get there to support them and claimed that patriots had mobilized to close down at least three locations across Dover, with more planned.

Danny Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo and the founder of Patriot Platform, posted a livestream on Saturday morning stating live Dover somethings [sic] happening. In a video from 2 September, Thomas told followers he was meeting with a huge group [of] top, proper patriots to prepare a message for the government.

"Very, very soon, we are going to send a message that will make sure they understand that we will not go down without a fight. We will not allow our nation to be plagued in the way that it is."

Danny Thomas, founder of Patriot Platform, via video

Thomas further claimed to be building something that's never been built before involving men and women across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Local Impact and Reactions

Witnesses reported varying numbers of participants. The Press Association reported dozens in attendance, while Nathan Ditchburn, who saw the group arrive around 6.45am, estimated there were around 300 men or more. Ditchburn told KentOnline that the group blocked every entrance and exit of the port area and Jubilee Way, noting that the protesters remained silent and handed him a piece of paper.

The disruption led to the cancellation of the local Dover Waterfront parkrun, which organizers said was necessary because the course was blocked or unsafe.

Political reactions to the blockade were sharp. Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, criticized the idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption on Facebook. He suggested the protesters were unaware that small boat crossings are down by 40% and told them to go home, enjoy your weekend/get a job.

Conservative group leader and Dover district councillor Chris Vinson described the protest as illegal migration-related. While he stated he was not aware of any violence, he described the sight of men in black paramilitary gear and balaclavas as extremely intimidating. Vinson added that some night shift workers were afraid to leave the port for fear for their safety.

Reform UK councillor Paul King also advised residents to avoid the port area, identifying the event as a stop the boats protest.

Transport and Travel

Ferry operators worked to manage the congestion. P&O Ferries reported that access via the M20/A20 remained blocked, although partial access was restored via the M2/A2 by 10.30am. The company stated that sailings continued as scheduled and passengers who missed their departure would be offered the next available crossing.

Shipping company DFDS also acknowledged the disruption and informed customers they would be accommodated on the next departure upon arrival.