Portsmouth protests appear to pass peacefully
A significant police operation has been in place in the city
Last updated 13 hours ago
Anti-migrant protesters and counter demonstrators have gathered in Portsmouth as police warned they would not tolerate incitement of fear or violence.
Protesters were not wearing masks at either gathering after warnings from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary that protesters wearing face coverings could be arrested under powers in the Crime and Policing Act.
There was a large police presence in Portsmouth city centre where demonstrators assembled to march today (Saturday 12th September 2026).
A line of police formed to keep anti-racism protesters from anti-immigration protesters who followed them as they were leaving the scene.
Both groups were allocated specific locations at which they could gather under protest conditions.
The anti-immigration protest marched to Guildhall Square and the counter-protest followed behind on the same route.
The two groups were then assembled to face each other on opposite sides of the square, some shouting at each other.
Incidents of note
A man has been arrested on suspicion of the criminal damage of a police vehicle at an anti-immigration protest in Portsmouth, an officer at the scene said.
The man was walking with a breakaway group after the majority of the protesters had dispersed from the earlier protest.
The PA news agency also reported a man on a mobility scooter wearing a plastic face mask was stopped by police at the square.
He was spoken to by officers about the policing powers in place and then removed the mask and continued on his way.
Reaction
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “I’m pleased that today’s protests in Portsmouth took place without major issue.
“Thankfully we didn’t see repeated scenes of Sunday night with assaults on police officers and criminal damage to police vehicles and people’s property.
“Hundreds of people took part in today’s protest, and with the exception of a few people, it was peaceful and conducted in accordance with the new law calling for their faces to be uncovered.
“The people of Portsmouth deserve to go about their business without fear and disruption.
“While some may think it was arbitrary to use the new power directing people to remove face-coverings, the police ensured it was implemented equally and impartially for everyone involved.
“I will ensure this power is used proportionately in the future for both sides of the spectrum of protestors.
“Hundreds of officers were needed to ensure today’s event passed peacefully.
“I want to thank Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for their hard work and professionalism in ensuring the city of Portsmouth and local people remained a safe place to be, especially on a weekend.”
The first man charged over last week’s anti-migrant demonstration in Portsmouth appeared in court on Saturday.
Del Leon Somerville, 42, of Paulsgrove, appeared before Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police constable in the execution of their duty.