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Protesters Block Access to Port of Dover, Disrupting Ferry Services
Confirmed
In Short: Protesters have blocked access to the Port of Dover, causing major disruption to ferry services and passenger access.
Masked protesters have blocked access to the Port of Dover, leading to significant disruption for ferry services and passengers. Ferry operators have warned that passengers may miss their ferries due to the ongoing protest.
Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, criticized the protesters, calling them 'idiots' and expressing his concern to the police. The Port of Dover, the UK's busiest international ferry and passenger port, handles a large volume of traffic, including 9,128,648 passengers by road in 2025 and 2,119,030 freight vehicles.
A large group of protesters, dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, have blocked roads along Dover's seafront, causing traffic congestion and halting traffic going in and out of the port. Due to the protest, all vessels are currently unable to leave the port for safety reasons.
The protest has brought disruption to one of the UK's key ferry terminals, with several miles of congestion on surrounding roads. Ferry services have assured passengers they will be accommodated as soon as possible upon arrival at the port.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- The demonstrators are wearing masks and preventing traffic from accessing the port, according to reports The demonstrators are wearing masks and preventing traffic from accessing the port, according to reports Officers are currently “engaging” with protesters clad in balaclavas blocking access to the Port of Dover, Kent Police has said.
- It added: “A large number of protesters are blocking three separate locations bringing all traffic entering the Port of Dover to a standstill.” Drivers can expect delays of 45 minutes on approach and there are four miles of congestion.
- Rail operator Southeastern reshared a Port of Dover travel update on X, adding: “If you’re delayed into the UK and miss your booked train, you can use the next available at no extra cost.” This is a breaking news story, more follows.