Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds has strongly condemned the actions of far-right protesters against migrants in Portsmouth. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
Incident details
A large boat carrying migrants arrived in Portsmouth for the first time, triggering a protest. Protesters blocked roads, some wearing masks. Police brought the situation under control.
Reynolds' statement
Emma Reynolds commented on the protesters' behaviour: "This is thuggish and intimidating behaviour. This is not peaceful protest. Obviously, as a politician, I absolutely support people's right to peaceful protest. But this crosses a line and I just want to take the opportunity to thank the police and other emergency services who have brought this under control. We do not want to see this kind of behaviour anywhere, frankly."
Other events of the day
Chancellor John Healey is giving his first major speech on economic policy in the West Midlands this morning. It is meant to be the main government news of the morning. Healey will argue that the government's plans to boost growth across the whole country will enable the British economy to "turn a corner".
At 11:30am, Downing Street holds a lobby briefing. At 2.30pm, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner takes questions in the Commons. After 3.30pm, Emma Reynolds is due to make a statement to MPs. In the afternoon, MPs start debating the remaining stages of the health bill.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant is today meeting Northern Ireland political leaders, as MLAs return to Stormont after the summer recess.