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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Holly Bancroft

Police urged to take robust action against anti-migrant demonstrators wearing balaclavas

  • Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has urged police chiefs to take robust action against anti-migrant demonstrators wearing balaclavas ahead of planned weekend protests.
  • The intervention follows criticism over the lack of arrests after far-right protesters blocked roads in Dover and clashed with officers and RNLI volunteers in Portsmouth last weekend.
  • Ms Mahmood emphasised that police must fully utilise existing powers to stop protesters concealing their identities, highlighting the fear caused by masked groups.
  • Police chiefs confirmed they are implementing an enhanced, co-ordinated intelligence and operational strategy to proactively address far-right tactics.
  • Security warnings have been issued to RNLI volunteers advising them not to wear charity branding following unacceptable abuse from anti-migrant demonstrators.

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