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Protesters Disperse After Mistaken Portsmouth Cricket Team Identity

9/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Anti-immigration protesters left a Portsmouth hotel rally after being told the guests were Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team.
Reform UK councillor George Madgwick informed the 40-50 demonstrators of the team’s identity, prompting their departure within five minutes.
Hampshire Police said officers explained the mistake and recorded no offences as the crowd dispersed.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s spokesperson condemned the “intimidating and thuggish” behaviour and pledged to end “politics of poison”.

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Story summary

Anti-immigration protesters left a Portsmouth hotel rally after being told the guests were Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team.
Reform UK councillor George Madgwick informed the 40-50 demonstrators of the team’s identity, prompting their departure within five minutes.
Hampshire Police said officers explained the mistake and recorded no offences as the crowd dispersed.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s spokesperson condemned the “intimidating and thuggish” behaviour and pledged to end “politics of poison”.