Hundreds of masked people block roads to Dover port in the UK

In the British port town of Dover, hundreds of people dressed in black and wearing masks blocked roads leading to and from the port. Local police say they are aware of the protest and are in contact with those taking part. A traffic jam roughly five kilometres long has formed at the scene.

Ferry companies said passengers who miss their sailings because of the road closures will be rebooked onto later crossings.

Who is the protest against

Police have not officially stated the reason for the demonstration. However, local Reform UK councillor Paul King said he understood it was a protest against migrants who cross the English Channel in small inflatable boats and arrive in Britain illegally.

"As I understand it, a number of people came to the area, changed into black clothing, put on balaclavas and blocked several roads leading to the port. I'm sick and tired of idiots coming to Dover to cause trouble," said Mike Tapp, Labour MP for Dover.

He added that he'd be willing to bet that few, if any, of the "protesters" know that the number of boats reaching British shores has dropped by 40 percent, and that the authorities are actively working to tackle the problem.

The country's busiest ferry port

Dover is the busiest international ferry port in the United Kingdom. According to figures on the port's official website, nine million passengers and two million freight vehicles passed through it by road in 2025.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz