Far-right port protests: police told to improve intelligence gathering
The UK government has demanded improved intelligence gathering from police forces following the surprise emergence of masked far-right groups at port protests. Kent police admitted to mishandling warnings about the demonstrations, leading to criticism regarding their preparedness and assessment of the protesters.
Why it matters
The incident raises questions about police intelligence capabilities and the management of civil unrest related to immigration policies.
Anti-migrant protesters confront police at Portsmouth at the weekend. Photograph: Jamie Lashmar/PA Anti-migrant protesters confront police at Portsmouth at the weekend. Photograph: Jamie Lashmar/PA Police Far-right port protests: police told to improve intelligence gathering Whitehall officials ask why laws meant to clamp down on mask wearing at demonstrations were not used
Prefer the Guardian on Google Police have been told by the government they expect better intelligence gathering after masked far-right groups took to the streets at the weekend, the Guardian has learned, as the Kent force admitted mishandling warnings of potential trouble.
Police in Kent on Saturday and then Portsmouth , Hampshire, on Sunday said they were taken by surprise when hundreds massed to oppose what they say is illegal immigration via small boats.
Both protests are believed by police to have been far-right inspired, with evidence emerging that those behind them were determined to avoid detection.
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