Police chiefs have exercised their powers to prevent an anti-immigration march from following its planned route through Portswood and Bevois Valley, past a mosque and two Gudwaras tomorrow (26/10/25).
The news comes after numerous organisations and individuals spoke out against the route, including local councillors from the Labour Party, Conservatives, Greens and Liberal Democrats.
‘Southampton Patriots,’ the organisers of the march and rally, say it is set to be the largest demonstration outside of London.
Hampshire Constabulary are exercising their powers under Section 12 of the Public Order Act 1986 to prevent the march from passing through Portswood and Bevois Valley. Instead, after protesters gather in Highfield Lane, Portswood at 1pm, they will march down St Denys Road to Thomas Lewis Way, before walking along Lodge Road, Dorset Street, The Avenue, Dorset Street, East Park Terrace and into Hoglands Park.
One of the ‘Southampton Patriot’ march organisers has taken to social media to thank Hampshire Constabulary and called for those attending to protest peacefully, stating if your intentions are to cause any violence, don’t bother coming.
Southampton Stand Up To Racism will be going ahead with their planned counter-protest, gathering at 12.30pm near Waitrose in Portswood, for a ‘Unity Demonstration’.
They have said that should the anti-immigration marchers defy police restrictions and attempt to march down Portswood High Street, they will peacefully block their path.
Once the ‘Southampton Patriots’ march has passed, the ‘Unity Demonstration’ will move to a rally at the Peace Fountain in East Park, featuring music and speakers. They emphasised that they did not intend to confront participants at Hoglands Park.
They said: “Southampton Stand Up To Racism welcomes the decision (to change the route of the march). This outcome reflects the determined efforts and collaboration of the local community, including the Muslim Council of Southampton (MCS), the Council of Southampton Gurdwaras, local councillors, and others — alongside the prospect of a large anti-racist mobilisation committed to keeping the far right out of our communities.
“We call on everyone in Southampton to stand together — firm, peaceful, and proud — in opposition to racism and division.”
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