Southampton Protest Restrictions
Southampton Police Impose Face-Covering Ban And Dispersal Order Ahead Of Weekend Protests
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Key Points
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The dispersal order covers a specified area from 7 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Sunday, under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
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The face-covering restriction applies from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2025; police said it was intended to help prevent offences and protect participants’ ability to exercise their democratic rights.
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The man charged after the Portsmouth protest was identified as Timothy Miller, 76, of Hedge End; he was due to appear before Portsmouth magistrates on October 14.
Hampshire Police banned face coverings and imposed a dispersal order in Southampton ahead of Saturday's dueling rallies between anti-migration group South Coast Patriots and counter-protesters. The restrictions, which take effect Friday evening, aim to keep the two groups physically separated and prevent violent clashes during the demonstration.
The face-covering ban runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday under new powers in the Crime and Policing Act 2025. Police say the rule helps prevent crime and protect everyone's right to protest. Violators could face arrest. The move follows a similar ban at a Portsmouth protest where a 76-year-old man was charged with concealing his identity.Yahoo News
How Police Are Keeping Protesters Apart
South Coast Patriots must stick to a set walking route and cannot stop to gather. Counter-protesters are confined to a designated area north of Bargate, away from the patriots' path. A neutral buffer zone sits between the two groups. Start times are staggered to minimize contact between demonstrators.
The dispersal order takes effect Friday at 7 p.m. and lasts until Sunday at 7 a.m. Under this power, police can order anyone in the affected area to leave immediately. Failing to comply can result in arrest. The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.Yahoo News
New Face-Covering Law Used for First Time
Saturday's ban marks an early use of Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2025, a recently passed law giving police power to restrict face coverings during protests. Hampshire Police said the rule targets masks and balaclavas used to hide identity. Wearing one in the restricted area and time can lead to arrest.
Police stated the ban helps prevent offences and protects people's democratic right to protest safely. The same restriction was used at a recent Portsmouth protest, where it resulted in charges against Timothy Miller, 76, of Hedge End. Miller was due to appear in Portsmouth magistrates court on October 14 for allegedly concealing his identity.Yahoo News
Rising Tensions on the South Coast
Anti-migration protests have escalated across Hampshire's coastal towns in recent weeks. Small boats carrying migrants continue arriving on the south coast after crossing the English Channel, drawing increasingly large protest crowds. Gosport, a nearby seaside town, saw around 100 anti-migration protesters gather as boats carrying up to 120 migrants docked recently.The Sun
Saturday's dual protests in Southampton reflect the growing divide over immigration policy. Police deployed these restrictions specifically to prevent violence between opposing groups. The measures signal authorities' serious concern that tensions could boil over without strong preventative action.Yahoo News
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