Protests in Southampton and Dover trigger police dispersal orders

Anti-migrant and anti-racism demonstrators gathered in the English port cities of Southampton and Dover this weekend. In Southampton, members of the South Coast Patriots marched through the city center, chanting slogans such as “Stop the boats,” while approximately 50 activists from Southampton Stand Up To Racism held a counter-demonstration at the Bargate.

Hampshire Police implemented strict measures to manage the events, including a dispersal order under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Authorities also enforced a ban on face coverings used to conceal identity during protest activities. To prevent contact between the opposing groups, police established a “neutral zone” and assigned specific routes and locations to each procession.

In Dover, police presence was noted near Dover Priory Station, which served as the starting point for marches. While the South Coast Patriots were active in Southampton, local groups in Kent, such as the Kent Patriots, reportedly declined to attend the Dover demonstrations.