By Jayanti Shah, MBE. Secretary, Southampton Stand Up To Racism.
Last Sunday (26th October), hundreds of Southampton residents — glorious in their diversity — stood shoulder to shoulder to show that hatred and intimidation have no place in our city. Thanks to the determined efforts of local communities, faith groups, trade unionists, and anti-racist campaigners, the far right were prevented from marching through Portswood and Bevois Valley. Together, we showed that when our city unites, we can stop hate in its tracks.
Despite Tommy Robinson and other far-right figures calling for “the biggest anti-immigration demonstration outside London,” only around 400 supporters turned up (according to BBC News) — far outnumbered by local people who joined our peaceful anti-racist mobilisation. The message was clear: Southampton stands together, and the far right are not welcome here.
The far right ended their protest with a rally in Hoglands Park, where they erected a stage and other infrastructure without permission — just yards from the memorial to those who died in the Southampton Blitz, when this city stood firm against fascism. Southampton City Council has since confirmed that no permission was granted for the use of a stage, sound system, toilets, or fencing.
We remain deeply concerned that the Council’s refusal was not enforced. It would have been straightforward to uphold the law simply by asking the police to act once the unauthorised infrastructure was being erected. By allowing the event to proceed in open defiance of the Council’s own decision, a dangerous precedent has been set — one that risks emboldening the far right to do the same again.
We have written to the Leader of Southampton City Council to raise these concerns directly and to urge the Council to address this failure urgently and transparently. Clear procedures must now be put in place to prevent any repetition of what happened in Hoglands Park. Those responsible for the unauthorised setup must be held to account.
We understand that public safety was a key priority on the day, and we recognise the efforts made to prevent disorder. But maintaining public order should never mean abandoning the rule of law when it is being visibly breached by groups promoting hatred and division. The Council and the police have a duty to both protect and uphold the democratic rights of all communities in this city — and that includes ensuring that those who seek to intimidate others do not do so with impunity.
On Sunday, Southampton’s communities showed that racism and fascism have no place in our city. Now the Council must show that it stands with us — not only in words, but in action.
* Top image shows ‘Southampton Patriots’ anti-asylum seeker march in Southampton.
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