Full Breakdown
Police Brace for Clashes Between Anti-Migrant and Anti-Racism Demonstrators on England’s South Coast
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Planned Demonstrations and Police Restrictions
On Saturday October 3, anti-migration protesters calling themselves the South Coast Patriots are scheduled to march through Southampton, while a counter-demonstration organized by Southampton Stand Up To Racism will follow. A similar confrontation is expected in Dover, where the same two groups plan to appear. Hampshire Police have imposed a dispersal order covering the protest area from 7 p.m. on Friday until 7 a.m. on Sunday, and a ban on face coverings will apply throughout the day. Participants in the Patriots procession must follow a prescribed route without stopping; counter-protesters are confined to a designated location and may not travel south of the Bargate. A “neutral zone” will separate the two crowds to prevent direct contact.
Official Statements & Responses
Superintendent Alex Charge, district commander for Southampton, explained that officers will operate under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on October 3, under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2025.
Both forces emphasized that the right to protest is not unlimited and that non-compliance with the orders constitutes a criminal offence.
Criticism & Opposition
He urged anyone seeking to cause disorder to stay away and said such behaviour must be dealt with firmly.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Powers under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2025 will be in place across the same area as the Section 34, but between 11am and 5pm on Saturday October 3,” — Superintendent Alex Charge
- “While people have a right to protest, that doesn’t extend to causing disruption and intimidation. Anyone who just wants to stir up disorder should stay away and should be dealt with firmly if they do not.” — Elsewhere