UK Home Secretary Calls for Police Action on Protests
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood met with senior police officers on Thursday. She told them to use all their powers against anti-migrant protests.
This includes banning face coverings at some protest areas. Her instruction followed two protests last weekend.
One protest took place in Dover, Kent. The other happened in Portsmouth, England.
A group called Patriot Platform caused disruption and violence at both events. Police officers were assaulted during the protests.
Ports in Kent were also disrupted. Some protesters wore balaclavas to hide their faces.
This added to the disruption over the weekend. The government says it supports peaceful lawful protest. But it wants to stop violent disorder.
Klear Note — A balaclava is a close-fitting covering that hides much of the face. Anti-migrant protests oppose immigration or the arrival of migrants.
Key Terms 4
- Home Secretary UK government minister in charge of policing and immigration.
- Patriot Platform A group involved in the anti-migrant protests.
- Kent A county in southeast England.
- balaclavas Face coverings that hide most of the face.