Reform UK is facing an internal backlash over its response to masked protesters who brought Dover and Portsmouth into the spotlight, exposing tensions over the party’s relationship with the nationalist hard right.

Farage condemns protesters as colleagues push back

Nigel Farage swiftly branded the balaclava-wearing activists who blockaded Dover “horrible”. But his criticism has triggered unease among some Reform members and councillors, with others openly praising the demonstrators as “brave, passionate patriots”.

The dispute intensified after Patriot Platform activists appeared at protests in Portsmouth, where police clashed with masked demonstrators. Daniel Thomas, the group’s leader and a convicted criminal, confronted Reform home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf, arguing that the events had been misrepresented.

Senior Reform figures walk a careful line

Yusuf said Thomas had made his case “respectfully”, while challenging Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch after she condemned the protesters as “thugs”. Other senior Reform figures, including Richard Tice and Robert Jenrick, have criticised the use of face coverings while expressing support for tougher action on illegal migration.

Linden Kemkaran, who leads Kent County Council, said protesters would not feel compelled to demonstrate if governments stopped the boats. Others have gone considerably further.

Councillors openly hail the protesters

Dudley councillor Andrew Southall claimed the Portsmouth protesters had done more to stop an “invasion” than the previous seven governments combined. Portsmouth councillor Emily Strudwick, who attended the demonstration, described a “great sense of community”.

In Tameside, councillor Sharon Barker publicly acknowledged dissent over Farage’s comments, saying some protesters had legitimate fears about losing their jobs if they were identified. Local leader Allan Hopwood defended their patriotic motives while insisting the party’s focus remained democratic politics.

Farage faces a dangerous electoral squeeze

The controversy comes as Reform seeks to revive stagnant polling and attract wavering Conservative voters without losing support to the right. Links between Reform figures and nationalist activists are therefore becoming an increasingly difficult balancing act.

Ryan Bridge, co-founder of Raise the Colours, was given a prominent platform at Reform’s conference and received Farage’s pledge of legal support. Bridge, who has been charged with 14 offences including racially aggravated harassment, says he has no association with Patriot Platform.

For Farage, the row threatens to expose a fault line between the party’s electoral ambitions and activists demanding a much harder line on immigration.

Reform UK beset by internal row over response to Dover and Portsmouth protests | Reform UK | The Guardian

There will be great wailing and gnashing of teeth.

...and cosplaying.

2 hours ago, bannork said:

Reform UK is facing an internal backlash over its response to masked protesters who brought Dover and Portsmouth into the spotlight

I do believe it was boat loads of military aged men flooding into the country that brought Dover and Portsmouth into the spotlight.