Policing of an anti-migrant protest in Hampshire at the weekend cost taxpayers £200,000, the area's police and crime commissioner has said. A 38-year-old man has been charged with failing to comply with restrictions imposed on a protest against the arrival of migrants in Gosport after a small boat crossing.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said around 350 people left Haslar Road at around 2am on Monday after a group of migrants were brought ashore by coastguard, lifeboat and border security staff. The force had imposed conditions under the Public Order Act as well as powers prohibiting the wearing of face coverings. A total of 12 people were arrested with suspects including 11 men aged between 22 and 59, and one 57-year-old woman.
PCC warns of escalating costs
“We had 11 different police support units coming from six different police forces," Donna Jones said, according to Portsmouth News. "It would have cost over £200,000 on Sunday alone."
The PCC added that she fears there will be more protests in the county, and the cost will escalate to nearly £1million a month. Ms Jones added that the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, should pay compensation to the county and make sure that UK Border Force is able to land migrants straight down to Dover without having to bring them to the coastline along southern England and Hampshire.
Councillor criticises police measures
Reform UK’s Gosport group leader, Councillor Paul Carter, also said Sunday’s operation cost taxpayers more than £200,000, also suggesting that £250,000 was spent policing Gosport and Eastney last month. He accused the police of overusing of a Section 34 dispersal order.
"Gosport residents deserve to know why a town of over 80,000 people were subjected to such sweeping and extraordinary measures, leaving residents unable to access their own homes and local businesses stripped of customers," he said. The councillor warned that the area cannot afford a repeat of recent events.
Reform UK leader responds
The leader of Reform UK in Hampshire, Councillor George Madgwick posted on X: "Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner just confirmed the Police response to the illegal migrant arrivals in Gosport, Portsmouth Harbour on Sunday cost over £200,000 to the taxpayer! That doesn’t include ambulance, local council clean up, coastguard, coach and travel costs.
"Disgusting. For 149 undocumented people. That’s before they get to their hotels with 3 meals a day. Honestly what a joke."
The Express contacted Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for comment.
