Far-right planning to mobilise 'thousands' for protest over UK migrant camp

Daniel Thomas, the founder of the Patriot Platform, claims he can rally thousands of supporters to protest a proposed site in Piddington, Oxfordshire for housing male asylum seekers. The group previously organized protests in Portsmouth and Dover, blocking roads and chanting "stop the boats". Thomas, who is associated with anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson, now wants to mobilize up to 5,000 men to surround the Oxfordshire camp and prevent the asylum seekers from entering.

Around 133 women in Piddington have sent an open letter to female MPs expressing their safety concerns about the plans. The village is holding a symbolic referendum on whether to leave the UK. Some Patriot Platform supporters are reportedly considering taking a vessel out to sea to confront migrant boats in the English Channel, though it is described as an early-stage idea.

French authorities have banned British far-right activists from entering France due to their harassment of asylum seekers. Experts note the group's recent paramilitary tactics, such as wearing balaclavas and organizing clandestine actions. The Patriotic Platform faces a decision: either intensify vigilantism or pursue more conventional protests, which may face increased counter-terrorism measures.

In 2026, 17,281 migrants crossed the English Channel, down 45% from the same period in 2025, due to increased law enforcement efforts and supply chain constraints.