Masked Protesters Block Dover Port Roads, Triggering 4-Mile Jam as UK Cites 40% Drop in Crossings
Updated
Updated · CNN · Sep 6
Masked Protesters Block Dover Port Roads, Triggering 4-Mile Jam as UK Cites 40% Drop in Crossings
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Sep 6
Summary
Several dozen masked men in black blocked roads to the Port of Dover on Saturday, stopping traffic at Britain’s busiest ferry hub before one route reopened by late morning.
A 4-mile queue built up as protesters linked arms and shouted “stop the boats,” in what local officials said appeared to be an anti-immigration demonstration.
P&O Ferries said passengers who missed sailings to Calais would be moved to the next available crossing, while police said they were engaging with the group.
Labour MP Mike Tapp condemned the disruption, arguing the protesters ignored a government-reported 40% fall in Channel small-boat crossings this year versus 2025.
Dover, which handled more than 9 million passengers and 2 million freight vehicles in 2025, has repeatedly been a flashpoint in Britain’s migration debate.