Politics · Malaysia Bureau
UK minister condemns 'thuggish' anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth
British government officials have strongly criticised anti-migrant demonstrations that disrupted the English coastal city of Portsmouth late Sunday, with protesters blocking streets to prevent the arrival of migrants from France.
LSN Malaysia ·
Emma Reynolds, a senior British government minister, denounced the protesters as 'thuggish' following the late-night demonstrations that brought traffic to a standstill in the port city. The demonstrations were mounted in opposition to the arrival of asylum seekers who had crossed the English Channel from France.
The protests represent ongoing tensions in the United Kingdom surrounding immigration and asylum policy. Such demonstrations have become increasingly common at locations where migrants are processed or accommodated, reflecting broader public debate about immigration numbers and integration.
Portsmouth, as a major port on England's southern coast, has frequently been at the centre of migration-related discussions. The city serves as a key arrival point for people attempting to cross the Channel, making it a focal point for both pro- and anti-migration activists.
The government has faced criticism from multiple quarters over its immigration policies, with some groups calling for stricter controls and others advocating for more welcoming policies toward asylum seekers. Officials have consistently urged the public to allow legal processes to proceed without disruption.