RNLI lifeboats carrying 120 migrants denied access to land in two UK ports - AOL

Requests to let RNLI boats carrying 120 migrants dock were refused by both Portsmouth harbour and Southampton Port, reports say. The vessels were intercepted off the Isle of Wight and, after being denied access, the migrants were brought ashore on Sunday at Eastney in Langstone Harbour. There, anti-migrant demonstrators blocked the single access road and clashed with riot police before coaches could leave, stretching the standoff into Monday morning’s early hours. Hampshire Police said several officers were treated for injuries. Portsmouth City Council called Eastney “completely unsuitable” and said it caused “needless disruption”. Langstone Harbour Master Billy Johnson said there was “no reason not to accept” the boats and blamed challenges for police handling public order. The RNLI said it was disappointed with the communication and was working with relevant parties.