Portsmouth prepares for anti-migration march and anti-racism counter-demo after weekend clashes
Anti-migration activists and anti-racism groups plan opposing marches in Portsmouth following a night of street confrontations that injured police and damaged vehicles.
After a night of unrest in Portsmouth that saw masked individuals block roads, damage police vehicles and wound several officers, two groups are set to march this weekend. The anti-migration group South Coast Patriots will hold a peaceful rally in the city centre, while the anti-racism organisation Stand up to Racism plans a counter-protest to denounce fascist and racist intimidation. The unrest stemmed from attempts to prevent authorities from moving about 140 migrants, rescued after a long-distance dinghy crossing, to the Manston processing centre in Kent.
Similar road blockades occurred at the Port of Dover a day earlier, drawing condemnation from politicians. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood met police leaders, emphasizing the need to enforce bans on face coverings, and Deputy Chief Constable Andy Mariner confirmed officers are prepared to act.
Why it matters
The planned protests highlight rising tensions over migration policy and the response of authorities to extremist intimidation.
How this story developed
- Sep 7 Far-right protesters in Portsmouth vilify RNLI rescuers after migrant boat rescue
- Sep 10 The RNLI announced a review of its safety procedures and increased protection at its stations.
In this story
Related stories
7 in this thread