Councils are already tightening rules on face coverings in parts of England, while new protest laws give police wider powers to order people to reveal their identities
Calls for tougher rules on balaclavas have intensified after around 300 masked far-right protesters blocked roads around the Port of Dover.
The men, dressed largely in black, brought traffic around the crossing to a standstill while chanting “stop the boats” and “whose streets? Our streets”. The scenes have added fresh pressure to a debate already gathering pace in parts of England, where councils have started introducing tougher restrictions on people covering their faces.
From September 15, police and community protection officers in Nottingham will be able to ask someone to remove a non-religious face covering if they believe it is being used to hide their identity while committing crime or intimidating others. Those who refuse could be handed a £70 on-the-spot fine or face prosecution.
Council bosses said they had “listened to people who feel intimidated” after more than 180 incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour involving masked youths or gangs were recorded in the city centre in the 12 months to June.
Similar measures have also been introduced or considered elsewhere, including Darlington and parts of Surrey, Essex and the West Midlands.
The issue has gained fresh attention following the Dover protest. The Government condemned “the behaviour in Dover and the travel disruption it has caused”, while Kent Police described the gathering as a “spontaneous” protest. No arrests were made.
Ferry passenger Toby Mackenzie said he feared for his safety after his vehicle was surrounded. He wrote online: “Pretty much left me fearing for my life. Happy that I didn’t drive through them to protect myself. Generally fearing for my life.”
Further disruption followed the next day in Portsmouth, where protesters gathered as migrants rescued in the Channel were being transported away from the area. But despite the growing debate, there is still no blanket ban on wearing balaclavas in public across the UK.
The law has, however, already been tightened around protests. Under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, a police officer of inspector rank or above can designate an area for up to 24 hours where a protest is taking place or expected and offences are likely to be committed or have already been committed. In that area, deliberately concealing your identity can become a criminal offence.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of one month in prison, a £1,000 fine, or both, while exemptions apply to face coverings worn for reasons including religion, health and work. Councils can also impose longer-term restrictions through Public Spaces Protection Orders.
Several European countries already have national restrictions on face coverings in public, including France, Belgium, Bulgaria and Switzerland, although the reach of those bans and the exemptions they allow vary.