GOSPORT: Council meets tonight to discuss migrant arrivals
Special meeting called as concerns rise in the community
A special council meeting will convene tonight in Gosport to discuss fresh concerns over migrant arrivals and the community's response to recent protests.
Gosport Borough Council will hold the extraordinary session at 6pm in the council chamber, following calls from Reform UK Gosport.
The meeting will examine a motion submitted by Reform councillors seeking answers from police, the Home Office, and other public entities.
The motion follows an event on 6th September when a boat carrying over 100 migrants arrived at Eastney Marina in Portsmouth, sparking protests in the city on that day and again on 12th September.
Conservative Councillor Zoe Huggins BEM, leader of the council, expressed last week that such scenes “should not be repeated,” emphasising the importance of preparation for evolving risks associated with people-smuggling operations.
Commenting on the motion, Reform leader in Gosport, Councillor Paul Carter, stated: “We have submitted a motion for the council to consider, covering resident concerns, local authority responsibilities, community protection measures, and transparent communication.
“Local people deserve clear answers regarding safety, service capacity, and council action.
“Reform UK Gosport is the only political group putting community safety at the forefront of this issue.”
Councillor Huggins countered the notion that community safety is solely the concern of one political group, asserting that it remains a priority for the council as a whole.
The motion proposes that the council writes to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner, the Chief Constable, and the Chief Fire Officer to thank emergency services involved in responding to the events on 6th September.
Additionally, it calls for Hampshire Police to publish an account of the evening, including details of any officer injuries, crowd size variations, and the circumstances surrounding the issuance of a dispersal order.
Councillors will also consider backing efforts to secure reimbursement from the Home Office for policing costs tied to the operation.
A separate section of the proposal suggests sending a letter to the Home Secretary, indicating that Gosport is not deemed suitable for the disembarkation of migrant boats. It also seeks assurances against using sites such as Fort Blockhouse as temporary arrival facilities or processing centres without prior consultation with the council.
The motion invites Gosport's MP, Dame Caroline Dinenage, to affirm that residents airing concerns should not be labelled negatively and to urge the Home Office for the commitments outlined.
Councillor Huggins added: “We offered to work constructively with members on a clear and factual Notice of Motion, but that opportunity was not taken up.
“We will now carefully review the motion that has been submitted and, where appropriate, ensure it reflects a clear Gosport position and puts the demands where the responsibility sits.”
The motion, proposed by Councillor Marshall and seconded by Councillor Carter, will be discussed this evening.