RNLI vessels with 120 migrants barred from Portsmouth and Southampton, land amid protests at Eastney

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) rescued 120 migrants off the Isle of Wight, but both Portsmouth harbour and Southampton Port turned down coastguard requests to allow the vessels to dock. Consequently, the boats were taken to Eastney in Langstone Harbour, where a narrow access road was blocked by anti-migration protesters, leading to a standoff with riot police that lasted into the early hours. Hampshire Police reported several officers were treated for injuries sustained during the confrontation, which a government minister labelled "thuggish and intimidating."

Portsmouth City Council called the location "completely unsuitable" and said it caused needless disruption, while Associated British Ports said it lacked appropriate reception facilities. The harbour master noted the operation was a search and rescue mission with no reason to refuse landing, and emergency services praised their coordinated response despite the protests.