Understand
Hampshire in the spotlight amid Channel migrant debate
Overview
The focus of Channel small boat crossings has expanded beyond Kent to the Hampshire coast, leading to migrant landings in Portsmouth and Gosport, associated protests, and increased policing costs. While the Home Office and French authorities work to disrupt smuggling gangs and increase western coast activity, local officials have raised concerns over site suitability and the financial burden placed on Hampshire Police.
Key points
- Small boats have recently begun heading for the Hampshire coast, leading to migrant landings in Portsmouth and Gosport.
- Landings and attempted arrivals at Eastney and Fort Blockhouse sparked local anti-migrant protests and road blockages.
- Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones stated that policing the protests has cost over £1 million a month, drawing police resources away from frontline calls.
- Hampshire police implemented a Section 34 dispersal order in Gosport, which faced criticism and a potential judicial review from Reform UK.
- The Home Office maintains that all arriving migrants are transported to short-term holding facilities in Kent for processing and checks.