Portsmouth braces for anti-migration and counter-protest after unrest

Anti-migration campaigners and anti-racism activists are preparing to march in Portsmouth this weekend after masked men gathered on the streets a week ago.

Organisations from South Coast Patriots have called for a peaceful march in Portsmouth city centre on Saturday afternoon, while Stand up to Racism is planning a counter-demonstration.

The plans follow an overnight stand-off last Sunday in the port city, during which official vehicles sustained damage and a small number of police officers were injured.

Hundreds of demonstrators blocked roads, pledging to prevent migrants who crossed the English Channel in a dinghy from being moved out of Portsmouth.

Reported to be carrying approximately 140 migrants, the boat is believed to have made one of the longest journeys undertaken by a small craft, as landings in Hampshire remain rare.

Protesters said they were intent on stopping authorities from transporting the arrivals to the Manston processing centre in Kent.

A day earlier, crowds of masked men blocked road access to the Port of Dover, in scenes which were condemned by politicians of all parties.

No arrests have been made in connection with either of the weekend’s incidents so far.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood met police bosses on Thursday to get reassurance they are ready to move quickly in dealing with far-right groups seeking to intimidate communities following the events in Dover and Portsmouth last weekend.

She said: “These scenes have caused disruption for people and, given that people are dressed in black wearing balaclavas, there is a fear factor and obvious malign intent being communicated to our residents.

“This makes it different from other protests, so we need to make sure we are learning lessons.”

The National Police Chiefs’ Council’s national lead for policing protests, Deputy Chief Constable Andy Mariner has said officers are “absolutely ready” to use powers to ban face coverings at anti-migration protests following the meeting.

Ms Mahmood made clear she expects police to make full use of their powers to stop protesters wearing face coverings.

Ahead of the protest on Saturday, Stand up to Racism said for its event: “Please join us to build a mass counter-protest to show that racism and fascism are not welcome in Portsmouth.”