Illegal Boat Migrants Gain Another New Place to Be Housed Despite Opposition But Many Are Not Happy About It

Former SAS soldier Ant Middleton has strongly criticised Portsmouth City Council after councillors rejected a proposal aimed at stopping the city from being used as a landing point for migrants rescued from small boats in the English Channel.

Middleton accused the council of being “completely out of touch” with the concerns of local residents. He questioned whether politicians were paying enough attention to the people living in Portsmouth and asked: “What about the human rights of our own people?”

The issue has caused growing debate in Portsmouth and other parts of England’s south coast. In recent weeks, protesters have gathered near locations where migrants rescued at sea have been brought ashore by the RNLI before being processed by the authorities and moved elsewhere.

Reform UK councillor George Madgwick brought forward a motion arguing that Portsmouth should not become a regular place for migrants rescued in the Channel to be brought ashore. He said the coastal city was not a suitable disembarkation point and called for measures to prevent it from becoming one.

However, the proposal did not receive enough support. Councillors voted 24 to 13 against the motion.

Before the vote, Middleton spoke at Portsmouth Guildhall in support of the proposal. After it was rejected, he continued his criticism during an appearance on GB News.

He questioned whose interests politicians were protecting and argued that the rights and concerns of British citizens, including members of the armed forces, should also be taken seriously.

Middleton also accused the authorities of helping to continue what he described as “undocumented illegal criminal activity”. His comments reflected his own view of the situation and his frustration with the way small boat crossings are being handled.

He also defended people who have taken part in protests over migrant landings. According to Middleton, there is now a major gap between politicians and ordinary residents who are directly affected by decisions made by the government and local authorities.

He said many politicians spend their time in offices making decisions but do not fully understand what people are experiencing at local level.

Middleton claimed that some residents feel ignored, disappointed and betrayed because they believe they are not receiving clear answers about why migrant boats continue to cross the Channel and why rescued migrants are being brought to places such as Portsmouth.

He argued that the situation showed a lack of leadership and accountability. In his view, politicians should be more willing to speak directly with local communities, listen to their concerns and clearly explain the government’s approach.

Middleton also focused on Portsmouth’s long connection with the Royal Navy. As a former member of the armed forces, he said the city has a proud military history and argued that the Navy should have a stronger role in protecting Britain’s waters.

He said members of the military had taken an oath to protect the country and its people. He questioned whether they were currently being allowed to fulfil that responsibility in the way he believed they should.

Middleton said he felt particularly strongly about the issue because Portsmouth is one of Britain’s most important naval cities. He argued that local residents should feel confident that the country’s borders are being protected and that their concerns are being heard.

The council’s decision, however, means the motion put forward by the Reform UK councillor was rejected, despite the support it received from Middleton and some residents and campaigners.