Face coverings ban and dispersal order in place for Southampton anti-migrant protest

A dispersal order and a ban on face coverings have been put in place in Southampton this weekend ahead of planned rallies by anti-migration and anti-racism demonstrators.

Two opposing groups, South Coast Patriots and Southampton Stand Up To Racism, are expected to take to the streets on Saturday.

Hampshire Police stated that officers have been given extra powers and that a series of restrictions will be enforced on the protesting groups.

People joining the Patriots procession must follow a designated route without making any stops along the way, whereas counter-protesters have been assigned a specific location and are strictly restricted from moving south of the Bargate.

An area designated as a "neutral zone" will prevent the two groups from making contact with one another during the events.

The Southampton Stand Up To Racism procession will commence only after the South Coast Patriots group has cleared the area.

A message from Superintendent Alex Charge, district commander for Southampton, posted on the force’s website said officers have implemented a dispersal order under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to cover a specific area from 7pm on Friday until 7am on Sunday.

He said: “The order gives officers the power to order a person to leave the area, with no return within a specified time period. Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.

“Powers under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2025 will be in place across the same area as the Section 34, but between 11am and 5pm on Saturday October 3.

“This prohibits the wearing of face coverings used to conceal identity during any protest activity.

“This will assist in preventing offences, increasing public confidence, protecting communities, and supporting the lawful exercise of democratic rights by all participants.

“Failing to comply with the conditions is an offence and can lead to arrest. Police have spoken with the protests’ organisers. They are aware of the conditions and will share these with those attending.”

Southampton Itchen MP Darren Paffey said anyone out to cause disorder should stay away, and people in Southampton “will not welcome so-called patriots flocking to our city to whip up fear and division”.

He added: “Whatever their intentions, these protests make local residents feel unsafe in their own communities, and that’s unacceptable.

“While people have a right to protest, that doesn’t extend to causing disruption and intimidation. Anyone who just wants to stir up disorder should stay away and should be dealt with firmly if they do not.”

Elsewhere, Kent Police said “robust” preparations are in place to keep disruption to a minimum ahead of a planned demonstration and counter-protest in Dover.

The force said a “substantial” number of highly-trained officers will be stationed in the town centre on Saturday.

Detective Chief Superintendent Elly Maggs, east division commander, said: “Everyone has a right to peaceful protest but that right is not unlimited, and we will not tolerate anyone who acts in a violent or criminal manner.

“If you are coming to Dover intent on causing trouble, then you will be arrested and brought before the courts.”