Zia Yusuf Slams Labour’s ‘State-Sponsored Thuggery’ After Portsmouth Migrant Arrivals

Reform UK home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf has accused the government of state-sponsored thuggery following a controversial small boat arrival in Portsmouth. According to the Daily Express, around 140 migrants landed at Eastney Landing after crossing from Normandy, triggering widespread protests.

The arrival of about 140 migrants aboard a vessel that made an unusually long journey to Hampshire caught local residents and officials by surprise. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary deployed officers in riot gear and implemented a Section 14 dispersal order as hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the ferry port to block roads and express outrage.

Outspoken Criticism From Reform UK

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, Zia Yusuf did not hold back in his assessment of the government’s handling of the situation. He argued that deploying police escorts for unauthorised arrivals infuriates local communities who feel abandoned by Westminster.

It’s the first time in my life that I’ve seen the British state offer a police escort to men who have invaded Britain.

— Zia Yusuf, Reform UK Home Affairs Spokesperson, Daily Express

Mr Yusuf further stated that using state power to facilitate these movements amounts to state-sponsored thuggery, adding that public anger is a direct result of failing border policies.

Local Impact and Official Response

Councillor George Madgwick, the leader of Reform UK in Hampshire, witnessed the landing from his home and described the scene as harrowing. While police launched investigations into criminal damage and assaults during the overnight stand-off, government officials condemned the demonstrations as thuggish and intimidating.

• Approximately 140 migrants arrived at Eastney Landing in Portsmouth from Normandy.
• Hampshire Police deployed riot officers and established a dispersal order.
• Reform UK is pressing the government to adopt Operation Fortress to stop crossings.
• Coaches eventually transported the migrants to a processing centre under police guard.

The Home Office emphasized that while peaceful protest remains a fundamental democratic right, it must never cross the line into disorder. Meanwhile, Reform UK continues to demand immediate action from the Prime Minister and Home Secretary to secure the coastline and prevent further landings.

Original source: Read the full report at Daily Express