Ex-superintendent blasts police 'intelligence failure' as mass anti-migrant protest descends on Dover port: 'Back to the drawing board!'

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Kent Police has confirmed officers are 'in attendance and engaging with protesters'

A former Police Superintendent has criticised the "intelligence failure" of police after a mass protest descended on the port of Dover this morning.

Speaking to GB News, terrorism expert Martin Gallagher argued that the police must go "back to the drawing board".

This morning, anti-migrant protests brought Dover to a standstill, blocking roads to the port and causing four-mile queues of traffic.

The crowd of protesters, dressed in all black with black balaclavas, could be heard chanting "stop the boats" as the marched through the streets of Dover.

Discussing the protest on GB News, Mr Gallagher stressed that opportunities "did exist" in relation to the group.

He said: "Unfortunately, it's a failure here by the police. So whatever intelligence opportunities exist about this group, the anti-immigration group, they've obviously failed. So we've got that first to start.

"And they're not appearing to be violent, I think we can see that, but they're obviously making their feelings known."

The policing expert argued that the police may have to implement a historic piece of legislation against the group, due to them all being dressed the same.

He said: "One thing I think the police will be considering, though, given the numbers, given the way that they're all dressed in the same manner is do they have to roll out the Public Order Act 1936, which is legislation that relates to a group forming in uniform that can be seen as acting counter to the state.

"Now, I'm not sure of that ever being rolled out since the days of Sir Oswald Mosley, but it still exists, is still relevant legislation.

"So yes, they can bring in a Section 60 to remove the face coverings and such and take matters on about blocking roads, but well, does this now count as uniform? Would it be construed as that?

"They're all dressed the same, so it's whether the police want to go down that route."

Asked whether he is "surprised" that the police appeared to be unaware of the mass protest, Mr Gallagher told GB News that there has been "roundabout failures and intelligence gathering" on "both sides of the political spectrum".

He said: "I'm definitely surprised, but you could apply the same thing to the Just Stop Oil protest this week where there was a failure as well. So it's maybe back to the drawing board for the police about these type of groups.

"So on both sides of the political spectrum here, roundabout failures on intelligence gathering, because these are two examples this week where the police have been caught on the back foot."

In a statement on X, Kent Police said: "We are aware of a protest currently taking place at the Port of Dover. Officers are in attendance and engaging with protesters."

A Government spokesman said: "The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to our democracy, but we condemn the behaviour in Dover and the travel disruption it has caused.

"We appreciate the frustration of those who have been impacted today. Access to the port is now restored and traffic is flowing.

"Those travelling to the port are advised to allow for extra travel time and to follow guidance from providers.

"We thank policing partners and travel providers who we continue to work with to ensure the safety of passengers and the wider community."