Hundreds of protesters descend on city as anti-immigration and anti-racism groups march through centre

Hundreds of protestors have descended on the city as anti-migrant groups and Stand Up To Racism hold rival protests in the centre amid rising tensions.

Groups from South Coast Patriots called for a peaceful protest today (September 12) in response to increasing concerns surrounding the impact of illegal migrants arriving in the UK.

The protest, which was already planned, comes after approximately 140 migrants , who were crossing the Channel, were brought to Eastney on Sunday, September 6. Two hundred protestors flocked to the area and attempted to prevent the migrants from entering the city, with multiple police officers attending the scene.

The chairman of the Hampshire Police Federation, Spencer Wragg, previously confirmed seven police officers were assaulted during the disorder. Del Leon Somerville, of Walsingham Close in Paulsgrove, is the first person to be charged with violent disorder and assaulting a constable in the execution of their duty in relation to the incident.

Ahead of the protest, the police force confirmed it would use new powers, under section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2025, to prohibit face coverings being worn in Southsea, Eastney, Old Portsmouth and the city centre.

Anti-migrant protesters gathered outside All Saints Church, in Commercial Road, and were seen holding Union flags while some were spotted wearing Portsmouth Patriot branded clothing.

“Stop the boats” was chanted by huge groups of anti-migrant protestors, while a man with a megaphone said the events were due to “illegal men invading the shores”.

In the neighbouring car park, demonstrators held “Stand up to Racism” and “refugees welcome” banners and placards. Other signs also included “RNLI are heroes, no-one is illegal”.

The two groups were separated while they marched through the city, with a large police presence ensuring those involved walked a specific route, which had been previously mapped out by the force to minimise disruption and ensure public safety.

During the marches, the road between All Saints Church and Marketway was blocked, causing significant disruption for drivers.

Hampshire Police have said: “We will support those who want to express their views peacefully and lawfully, but we will not tolerate those whose only aim is to create fear and incite violence.”

The anti-immigration and anti-racism marches ended at Guildhall Square, where further supporters from both groups were waiting with flags and banners. The two groups were then assembled to face each other on opposite sides of the square, some shouting at each other.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said she was “pleased” that the “protests in Portsmouth took place without major issue” and “thankfully we didn’t see repeated scenes of Sunday night with assaults on police officers and criminal damage to police vehicles and people’s property.”

She continued: “Hundreds of people took part in today’s protest, and with the exception of a few people, it was peaceful and conducted in accordance with the new law calling for their faces to be uncovered. The people of Portsmouth deserve to go about their business without fear and disruption.”

The police have confirmed three people were arrested during the protests, two of whom have now been charged.

Timothy Justin Miller, 76, of Sherwood Avenue in Hedge End, Southampton, has been charged with wearing/using an item to conceal identity at a protest. He is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Monday, September 14.

David Kenny McNally, 33, of Winchester Road in Portsmouth, has been charged with wilful obstruction of a highway and attempted criminal damage. He is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Thursday, October 29.

A 16-year-old male from Waterlooville was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, in relation to violent public disorder at Eastney on Sunday, September 6. He has since been released on bail until Saturday, December 12.

Donna Jones added: “While some may think it was arbitrary to use the new power directing people to remove face-coverings, the police ensured it was implemented equally and impartially for everyone involved. I will ensure this power is used proportionately in the future for both sides of the spectrum of protestors.

“Hundreds of officers were needed to ensure today’s event passed peacefully. I want to thank Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for their hard work and professionalism in ensuring the city of Portsmouth and local people remained a safe place to be, especially on a weekend.”