Two men and a teenage boy have been arrested in Portsmouth following far-right protests against immigration that drew large crowds and heavy policing for a second weekend, according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary. The demonstrations followed the interception last Sunday of a small boat carrying 140 people seeking asylum as it headed toward the city.
Police reported that a 76-year-old man from Southampton was detained on suspicion of concealing his identity during the Portsmouth protest. Officers had previously warned that protesters wearing face coverings faced arrest under powers granted by the Crime and Policing Act. In addition, a 33-year-old man from Portsmouth was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a highway, and a 16-year-old boy from Portsmouth was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder concerning the disturbances on the previous Sunday.
Police and Commissioner Response to Portsmouth Protests
According to Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner Donna Jones, authorities thankfully avoided the repeated scenes from the previous Sunday night, which had involved assaults on police officers, criminal damage to police vehicles, and damage to private property. Jones noted that, with the exception of a few individuals, Saturday’s demonstrations remained peaceful and complied with new regulations requiring protesters to keep their faces uncovered.
“The people of Portsmouth deserve to go about their business without fear and disruption,” Jones stated, adding that police ensured the new powers were applied equally and impartially across all participants.
In the city centre, a large police presence monitored demonstrators marching through the streets on Saturday. Some participants waved union flags or wore Portsmouth patriot-branded clothing outside All Saints Church on Commercial Road, where a speaker using a megaphone led chants of “stop the boats” and claimed the gathering opposed “illegal men invading the shores.” In a nearby car park, counter-demonstrators carrying Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) and Refugees Welcome banners displayed signs reading “RNLI are heroes, no one is illegal” and “stop pretending your racism is patriotism.”
Did You Know? Last Sunday’s small boat interception marked what is believed to be the first time such a large vessel carrying asylum seekers was brought directly to Portsmouth, and the first time a significant group of anti-migrant protesters attempted to block newly arrived migrants from being processed.
Simultaneous Rallies and Counter-Protests in Glasgow
Hundreds of people also gathered in Glasgow on Saturday for an anti-immigration rally organized by the Pink Ladies movement at Glasgow Green, alongside an associated counter-protest arranged by groups including SUTR, according to local reports. The event passed peacefully under a heavy police presence that kept the opposing groups segregated on the eastern side of the park, with the People’s Palace situated between them. Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan had earlier warned of a strong response to any violence following previous flashpoints in the park in July.
Prominent figures from the Scottish right, including Reform UK deputy leader in Scotland Thomas Kerr and Reform councillor Audrey Dempsey, attended the Pink Ladies event. Meanwhile, the SUTR rally drew political figures such as Scottish government minister Alison Thewliss, MSP Iris Duane, and Scottish Trades Union Congress general secretary Roz Foyer.
Context on Small Boat Crossings and Government Action
Saturday’s demonstrations followed a tense week across southern coastal ports. The Home Office reported that small boat crossings have fallen by more than 40% compared to the same period last year. However, authorities noted that smugglers’ methods have evolved, with boats now launched from parts of the French coast much farther from the UK, increasing the danger of the crossings.
Most small boat arrivals continue to be rescued by Border Force and RNLI vessels in the English Channel and brought ashore in Dover, where volunteers and staff have faced abuse from protesters. On Saturday, Del Leon Somerville, 42, of Paulsgrove, Portsmouth, appeared at the city’s magistrates court charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police constable during last weekend’s demonstration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested during the Portsmouth protests?
Police arrested three individuals: a 76-year-old man from Southampton for suspected concealment of identity, a 33-year-old Portsmouth man for suspected highway obstruction, and a 16-year-old boy from Portsmouth for suspected violent disorder related to the previous Sunday’s events.
What new legal powers were enforced by police in Portsmouth?
Officers utilized powers under the Crime and Policing Act to direct protesters to remove face coverings, an action supported by the local police and crime commissioner to ensure demonstrations were conducted transparently.
How did the protests in Glasgow unfold?
The Pink Ladies event at Glasgow Green and a concurrent counter-protest by Stand Up to Racism passed peacefully under heavy police supervision, with opposing groups segregated on opposite sides of the park.
How will local authorities and police forces balance public safety and the right to peaceful protest as small boat arrivals continue to affect coastal communities?
Related reading