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Recent protests in the city centre followed unrest that occurred on 6 September, when police had to intervene at Eastney Marina. During that event, hundreds of demonstrators blocked roads to prevent coaches transporting 120 migrants, who had crossed the Channel in a dinghy, from leaving the city.
On Saturday, around 500 anti-migrant protesters gathered outside All Saints Church on Commercial Road, many waving Union and St George flags and wearing clothing labeled Portsmouth Patriot. The group marched to Guidhall Square, chanting “stop the boats” as they proceeded. At the same time, approximately 300 counter-protesters were present, and police maintained a separation between the two groups upon arrival at the square.
Simon Magorian of Stand up to Racism Portsmouth spoke out before the march, condemning the previous demonstrations in Eastney as “a horrible spectacle.” He pointed out that Portsmouth is “a good functioning multi-cultural city” and emphasized the commitment to organize broad opposition against what he described as “a fascist street movement,” adding, “we’re not going to allow them to get a grip on Portsmouth or any other town – this is quite terrifying.” Among the anti-migrant demonstrators, Portsmouth local Pete Davies expressed his views, saying migrants “should be having them turned back to France again. It’s a safe country, there’s no war in France.” He added, “They want to stop the benefits, stop the free housing… they don’t give nothing back to the people of the country.”
In response to the recent protests, police implemented powers aimed at preventing violence, intimidation, and disorder. A separate order allowed officers to require individuals to remove masks or other items that could conceal their identities. Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo stated, “It is important to stress that this power will apply to any groups that attend the protest and will be enforced equally and impartially.” He also clarified, “Let me be clear, these powers are not being implemented to prevent protest but they are being used to help prevent crime and disorder, while making communities feel safer.” Hampshire Police reported that several of their vehicles, as well as those belonging to the coastguard and Border Force, were damaged during disturbances that continued into the early hours of Monday. A few officers were treated for minor injuries on the scene, though no serious harm was reported. Additionally, RNLI volunteers involved in the migrant rescue operation were subjected to targeted harassment on social media. The disorder in Portsmouth closely followed a separate anti-migrant protest held the previous day at the Port of Dover
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