Officers put plans in place ahead of protests in Southampton

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has put plans in place ahead of protests in Southampton this Sunday to help minimise any disruption to the local community.

Following discussions with the relevant parties, officers have decided to make use of legislation available to them to help support our work in maintaining the safety of those protesting and the wider public.

The anti-immigration and counter protests are set to take place from lunchtime on Highfield Lane on 26 October. Those involved in the anti-immigration protest have indicated they intend to make their way through parts of the city before reaching Hoglands Park.

Our priority, as ever, is public safety and as is routine with any such activity, we have been liaising with the organisers, as well as partners and the local community to ensure any disruption is minimised and offer visible reassurance.

Under Section 12 of the Public Order Act 1986, those taking part must follow a particular route (detailed in the attached map) and follow specific conditions as they make their way through the city, on a route that will be policed, before reaching their final stop in Hoglands Park.

Officers have spoken with the organisers, and they have agreed to follow this route and will share it with those attending. Those in attendance must follow the specific route outlined in the map and not stop during the procession.

Failing to comply with the conditions is an offence and can lead to arrest. Officers will also speak to people outside of the dedicated route and advise where they need to go.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo said: “Policing has a long history of facilitating peaceful protest and upholding the legal right to do so.

“We have been working closely with organisers, local partners and the community to ensure we balance the rights of those peacefully protesting and the rights of others to go about their lives without being subject to serious disruption.

“Our priority, as always, is keeping the public safe and preventing crime and disorder. This is why we’ve made use of the legislation available to us on Sunday.

“Matters like this are complex and can have a huge impact on our local community, and I can assure you this type of action is never a step which is taken lightly, and it will only be used in a proportionate way.

“In instances like this, we will do all we can to make sure we’ve taken appropriate action to ensure the safety of those involved and the public.

“We have resources in place to police these protests, protect our communities, and we will continue to work with organisers and local partners ahead of Sunday.

“If you have any concerns on the day, please speak with officers who will be highly visible in the area.”