Communities Secretary Angela Rayner has condemned recent anti-immigration marches led by far-right activist Daniel Thomas, urging authorities not to allow such events to continue. Thomas, who also goes by Danny Tommo, has been at the forefront of protests in several English coastal towns over the past month. Last week, he was arrested following allegations that he used a blade to slash an inflatable dinghy in the Channel while a rescue worker was onboard.

Rayner described the demonstrations, which often feature hundreds of predominantly male participants wearing black clothing and face masks, as “intimidation” rather than legitimate protests. She expressed concern about marchers blocking roads and transport hubs, stating this form of disruption is unacceptable. “Whether you agree with the message or not, it’s intimidating,” Rayner said. “It is not a protest. I’ve been on many protests myself when I was in my union days. We have banners, but we don’t wear balaclavas and shout divisive rhetoric.”

The communities secretary also highlighted the role of social media in amplifying extreme voices, particularly targeting the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). She emphasized the need for more humane discussions surrounding asylum seekers and criticized attacks on volunteers involved in rescue operations. “How can we get to the point where we dehumanise like this?” Rayner questioned. “Yes, we politicians have a discussion about policies, about people we give asylum to, about how we stop boats. But attack volunteers that save people from drowning? It’s not acceptable.”

The marches coincide with ongoing debates over immigration policy and the handling of small boat crossings in the English Channel. Rayner’s remarks underscore growing concerns within government circles about the impact of far-right activism on community cohesion and the safety of emergency responders. The arrests and increased law enforcement attention indicate a push to curb activities deemed as threatening or disruptive under the guise of protest.