Gosport protests: No arrests made at anti-migrant and anti-racism demonstrations as hundreds attend

Large protests involving anti-migrant demonstrators and anti-racism protestors passed without incident, police have said.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said no arrests were made in relation to both demonstrations in Gosport today (October 25). Around 550 people attended both gatherings, with anti-migrant protestors marching to Haslar detention centre.

Officers, including those in vans and on horse-back, followed the protestors along the planned route which was marked with flags.

Videos footage shows protestors chanting “whose streets, our streets”, “stop the boats” and “never trust a leftie with your kids” as they proceeded along the street.

Before they set off, men were pictured wearing face coverings and stab vests with British Security Project printed on the back. Anti-racism groups, including Stand Up To Racism, gathered near the high street and held placards with statements including “hate doesn’t speak for us” and “I refuse to hate my neighbour”.

Extensive police powers were put in place in an effort to curb anti-social behaviour. Face coverings were banned and dispersal order powers were put in place until 8pm around Haslar Detention Centre. The anti-migrant march began at around 1pm, with counter-demonstrators remaining stationary in the centre of the town.

Hampshire police have said they will police the event “without fear or favour” and have put measures in place to help them “maintain public safety and public confidence”. The force previously added: “As a police service we attend protest events to protect the right to gather and express views freely and peacefully.

“We can utilise powers if necessary and proportionate before and during protest activity to prevent crime and maximise safety. This weekend, police will be using a number of powers in order to achieve this. Firstly, a dispersal order has been authorised under Section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014). This power is being utilised to help officers deal with any incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the area.”

Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage issued a statement before the protests. The Conservative politician said: “There has been some misinformation circulating online about what these powers mean for local residents.

“I want to reassure residents that these powers do not prevent you from going about your normal daily business, whether that's visiting the town centre, supporting local shops or simply going about your day. The powers apply to both groups of protesters and allow the police to manage the demonstrations and take action where the legal grounds are met.”

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The demonstrations followed recent migrant boat landings in the Portsmouth area. Most recently, a vessel carrying 149 migrants made landfall in Gosport at Fort Blockhouse having crossed the English Channel, with the Home Office ignoring pleas from politicians and residents to stop such incidents.

A vessel transporting around 51 migrants in late September was heading towards Hampshire before being diverted to Dover. This followed a migrant boat landing at Eastney Point on earlier that month.

Subsequent demonstrations at all these events saw several arrests, with various individuals being charged and given prison sentences. These protests also saw black-shirted individuals attending and wearing balaclavas.