On September 24, 2021, approximately 40 climate activists from the group Insulate Britain blocked access to the Port of Dover, Europe's busiest ferry terminal and a critical artery for UK trade. The protest began around 8:20 AM BST, with activists forming roadblocks on two main routes into the port: the A20 in Kent and near the junction with Union Street for the Western Docks. This action caused considerable traffic disruption, with queues forming on the A20 and A2 approaching the port, and lorry drivers sounding their horns in frustration.
Kent Police arrested 39 individuals on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and obstructing a highway. While police cleared the main protest by 10:20 AM BST, one lane of the A20 remained blocked for longer as two protesters climbed onto a tanker and glued themselves to the vehicle. The Port of Dover confirmed that traffic resumed flowing in and out of the site by 11:21 AM BST.
The Port of Dover handles 17% of the UK's trade in goods and was used by an average of 6,200 road haulage vehicles daily in the previous year. Political figures condemned the actions, with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps stating it was unacceptable for businesses and critical supplies to be jeopardized. Home Secretary Priti Patel criticized the "selfish minority" for putting lives at risk and causing disruption, while Dover MP Natalie Elphicke called the protesters "hooligans." The government subsequently secured a High Court injunction to prevent protesters from occupying the A20 and strategic roads linked to the Port of Dover.
This incident followed a series of similar disruptions caused by Insulate Britain on the M25 motorway. The port implemented its established resilience plans to manage the impact of the protest, and despite the disruption, emphasized its continued importance as a national trade and tourism artery.
