Demonstrators have been warned that face coverings are banned and police have been given special powers ahead of expected anti-migrant protests on the south coast.
Anti-migration protesters South Coast Patriots and anti-racism demonstrators from Southampton Stand Up To Racism are expected to gather today in Southampton where a dispersal order and a ban on face coverings will be in place. Similar scenes are expected to unfold in Dover, in Kent.
Restrictions on protest groups
Hampshire Police said officers have been given additional policing powers and several restrictions have been placed on the protesting groups. Those taking part in the Patriots procession must follow a specific route and cannot make any stops, while the counter-protest has been allocated a specific location and is not permitted to travel south of the Bargate.
An area known as a “neutral zone” will ensure the two groups will not come into contact with each other during the demonstrations, police have said. The Stand Up To Racism group's procession will start after the South Coast Patriots group has passed.
Dispersal order and face covering ban
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.
Political and police response
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.”
Kent Police said “robust” preparations are in place to keep disruption to a minimum ahead of the demonstration in Dover. The force said a “substantial” number of highly-trained officers will be stationed in the town centre on Saturday.
A counter-protest will be held at Pencester Gardens although officers “anticipate the two groups may attempt to come together”. Police announced a face covering ban will be in force on Saturday from 8am to 9pm and will apply to those taking part in the protest. It covers parts of Dover, including Buckland, Whitfield, Guston, St Margaret's-at-Cliffe and surrounding areas. People covering their faces for religious, health or work-related reasons are not affected.
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.”
