Thousands of rival demonstrators are reported to have gathered around Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square as police enforce new powers restricting face coverings during protest activity.
Anti-migrant protesters were reported chanting “stop the boats”, while counter-demonstrators including supporters of Stand Up To Racism carried pro-refugee and pro-RNLI banners.
Hundreds of police officers were deployed to keep the rival groups separated.
The current attendance figure of “thousands” is a media estimate rather than an official police count.
The more significant development is the policing framework being used during the demonstrations.
Hampshire Police said it would use new powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2025 that make concealing a person’s identity with a face covering during protest activity an offence within the designated area.
The force said the measure followed violence and intimidation during recent demonstrations and would be applied equally to all groups.
There was no fresh official report of major violence or mass arrests when the demonstrations were checked.
The protests underline how Britain’s argument over small-boat migration is increasingly moving beyond Parliament and into organised street politics.
Those demanding tighter immigration controls have the right to protest peacefully.
Those opposing them have the same right.
The test for police is whether the new powers can be applied consistently while protecting peaceful political expression and preventing intimidation and disorder.
More to follow.
Sources: Hampshire Police; live media reporting, 12 September 2026.
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