Anti-migrant protest in Southampton will see ban on face coverings after police action for Portsmouth protest
A ban on face coverings was introduced before protests in Portsmouth last month
A dispersal order and a ban on face coverings is in place in Southampton over the weekend as anti-migration protesters and anti-racism demonstrators are expected to gather.
One group called South Coast Patriots and another called Southampton Stand Up To Racism plan to take to the streets on Saturday. Hampshire Police said officers have been given additional policing powers and several restrictions have been placed on the protesting groups.
It comes after a man was charged with concealing his identity at a protest in Portsmouth in September after police warned they would arrest demonstrators using face masks and coverings with new powers. Several hundred anti-migrant protesters marched through the city centre while anti-racism groups also made their way to Guildhall Square.
Hampshire Police said Timothy Miller, 76, of Sherwood Avenue in Hedge End was charged with wearing or using an item to conceal identity at a protest. He is due before Portsmouth magistrates on 14 October.
David McNally, 33, of Winchester Road in Portsmouth, was also charged with obstructing the highway and attempted criminal damage. He is due in court on 29 October.
For the weekend’s protests in Southampton police said those taking part in the Patriots organised procession must follow a specific route and must not make any stops, while the counter-protest has been allocated a specific location and is not permitted to travel south of the Bargate.
An area known as a “neutral zone” will ensure the two groups will not come into contact with each other during the demonstrations. The Stand Up To Racism group’s procession will start after the South Coast Patriots group has passed.
A message from Superintendent Alex Charge, district commander for Southampton, posted on the force’s website said officers have implemented a dispersal order under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to cover a specific area from 7pm on Friday until 7am on Sunday.
He said: “The order gives officers the power to order a person to leave the area, with no return within a specified time period. Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.
“Powers under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2025 will be in place across the same area as the Section 34, but between 11am and 5pm on Saturday October 3.
“This prohibits the wearing of face coverings used to conceal identity during any protest activity.
“This will assist in preventing offences, increasing public confidence, protecting communities, and supporting the lawful exercise of democratic rights by all participants.
“Failing to comply with the conditions is an offence and can lead to arrest. Police have spoken with the protests’ organisers. They are aware of the conditions and will share these with those attending.”
Southampton Itchen MP Darren Paffey said anyone out to cause disorder should stay away, and people in Southampton “will not welcome so-called patriots flocking to our city to whip up fear and division”.
He added: “Whatever their intentions, these protests make local residents feel unsafe in their own communities, and that’s unacceptable.
“While people have a right to protest, that doesn’t extend to causing disruption and intimidation. Anyone who just wants to stir up disorder should stay away and should be dealt with firmly if they do not.”
Elsewhere, Kent Police said “robust” preparations are in place to keep disruption to a minimum ahead of a planned demonstration and counter-protest in Dover.
The force said a “substantial” number of highly-trained officers will be stationed in the town centre on Saturday.
Detective Chief Superintendent Elly Maggs, east division commander, said: “Everyone has a right to peaceful protest but that right is not unlimited, and we will not tolerate anyone who acts in a violent or criminal manner.
“If you are coming to Dover intent on causing trouble, then you will be arrested and brought before the courts.”