Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has instructed police chiefs to learn from their handling of last weekend's anti-migrant protests in Dover and Portsmouth, stating that she expects officers to use all necessary powers.
During a meeting on Thursday, Ms Mahmood sought reassurance that police have plans to respond quickly and effectively to far-right groups aiming to intimidate communities. The Home Office described the protests as causing "unacceptable disorder."
Masked activists reportedly brought Dover to a standstill on Saturday. On Sunday in Portsmouth, approximately 200 people attempted to block migrants being transported for processing.
Police chiefs are reportedly considering using recently granted powers to ban face coverings in specific areas. Kent Police had previously acknowledged being aware of a potential demonstration in Dover but admitted not having "fully assessed" the warning.
The Home Secretary is said to have told police chiefs to improve their use of intelligence for better planning ahead of this weekend. Police chiefs have also initiated an "enhanced and co-ordinated" approach to intelligence gathering.