Specific protest route mapped out by police to minimise disruption as opposing protestors march through city

A specific protest route has been mapped out by police in order to minimise disruption as opposing groups march through the city.

As hundreds of protestors from Stand Up To Racism and groups from South Coast Patriots flock to the city for peaceful demonstrations today (September 12), police have put plans in place to maintain safety.

The force has said it is aware that a protest group intends to move in procession from All Saints Church in Commercial Road at 12.30pm, making their way through the city to Guildhall Square.

Under Section 12 of the Public Order Act 1986, those taking part in this procession must follow a particular route, which will be policed, before reaching their final stop. Those in attendance must follow the specific route outlined and not stop during the procession.

A police spokesperson said: “Our priority, as ever, is public safety and as is routine with any such activity, we have been liaising with the organisers, as well as partners and the local community to ensure any disruption is minimised and to offer visible reassurance.”

Anti-illegal migrant groups have been allocated a specific meet-up location adjacent to the All Saints Church in Portsmouth, while counter protestors will congregate in a nearby car park.

Failing to comply with the conditions is an offence and can lead to arrest. Police have spoken with the protests’ organisers, and they have agreed to the conditions and will share these with those attending.

The spokesperson added: “As we said yesterday, these powers are not being implemented to prevent protest, but they are being used to help prevent crime and disorder, while making communities feel safer.

“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.”

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