Immigration chiefs abandon Gosport migrant landing in U-turn after hundreds of protesters face riot police
From the Newshound archive · first published 23 September 2026.
A heavily overcrowded dinghy in the Channel, as people-smuggler networks are suspected of shifting launch points up to 180 miles west of Calais, forcing crossings of up to 100 miles.An overcrowded dinghy carrying around 50 migrants, escorted by four French lifeboats and a tugboat, after a separate dinghy reached Folkestone undetected on Monday.
Immigration authorities rerouted around 60 Channel migrants to Dover after hundreds of protesters massed at Haslar Marina in Gosport, forcing a dramatic climbdown. The small boat had been at sea for over 33 hours after its passengers turned down French coastguard assistance, insisting they were "determined to take all risks to reach the United Kingdom." Six demonstrators were arrested on charges that included assaulting an emergency worker and aggravated trespass. Tory MP Dame Caroline Dinenage declared it "a good result" after pressing the Home Office all day to redirect the vessel.
Reform UK's Hampshire leader George Madgwick said the empty police motorcade was "larger than what the Prime Minister or King would get."
Some protesters wore black and face coverings as they chanted "send them back" at a police cordon, having gathered from around 6.30pm Tuesday evening.
Police are also investigating a video circulating online that appears to show damage being caused to a boat in the English Channel on Tuesday afternoon.
