Police warn Portsmouth anti‑migration marchers against face masks, promise more arrests
Around midday a crowd of anti‑migration supporters gathered at All Saints Church on Commercial Road before marching to Guildhall Square in Portsmouth. organiser Danny Thomas urged a large turnout but did not attend the protest himself. Police warned participants that wearing face coverings could lead to arrest and said officers were prepared to make additional arrests. Speakers used slogans such as “stop the boats” and claimed the protest targeted “illegal men invading the shores.” A separate Stand Up To Racism counter‑rally was required to remain in a nearby designated zone, and a 42‑year‑old man had previously been arrested for violent disorder and assaulting a constable during earlier unrest.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning coverage is the most divided on this story
Why it matters
The police response underscores rising tensions over migration protests and the use of new public‑order powers in the UK.
How this story developed
- Sep 5 Masked demonstrators block traffic at the Port of Dover ferry terminal
- Sep 5 Roads to the Port of Dover were reopened after the protest was cleared.
- Sep 6 Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and minister Robert Jenrick publicly condemned the protest.
- Sep 7 A far-right group confronted RNLI crews in Portsmouth, calling them “traitors” for rescuing a migrant-laden boat, while police launched an investigation into masked protesters who injured officers and damaged vehicles.
- Sep 8 Police opened an inquiry into the protest with no arrests made at the time.
- Sep 10 The RNLI announced a review of its safety procedures and increased protection at its stations.
- Sep 11 Hampshire Police say anyone wearing a face covering at the upcoming Portsmouth demonstration could be arrested under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act.
- Sep 12 The South Coast Patriots and Stand up to Racism have announced weekend marches in Portsmouth.
- Sep 12 Police added they will make additional arrests for face‑mask violations at the protest.
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