A Southampton anti-racism group is calling for supporters to join them for a counter-demonstration this evening (Friday 13/2/26) and for a march, set to take place next month.
Southampton Stand Up To Racism called a urgent counter demonstration to take place in Portswood, Southampton, tonight, following a last-minute announcement of a planned anti-asylum seeker gathering outside Highfield House Hotel.
The hotel , which houses asylum seekers placed there legally by the Home Office whilst they await the outcome of their asylum applications, has been the focus of dozens of anti-asylum seeker gatherings since last summer, which despite ever-dwindling numbers have continued into the new year.
Last Friday saw around 70 counter-protesters gather for a unity demonstration, with a message of welcome to refugees, outnumbering the anti-asylum seeker protesters by around 3 to 1.
SSUTR is inviting local people to gather outside Waitrose in Portswood at 5pm tonight, before marching up the high street and holding a counter demonstration outside the hotel.
They said: “Our presence has purpose: to show refugees they are welcome, and to show Southampton at its best.”
Anti-asylum seeker group ‘Southampton Patriots’ is also planning a demonstration on March 1st, from Highfield House Hotel to Southampton’s Guildhall Square. Last time they planned a march through Southampton the route was changed by police chiefs.
They said they are protesting to ‘stop the boats’ and against what they claim is Hampshire Constabulary’s ‘two-tier policing’ of demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Southampton Stand Up To Racism is one of a number of community groups supporting ‘Southampton Unity March – Together Against Hate’, including Southampton & South West Hampshire Trades Union Council, Southampton & District Green Party, The People’s Assembly Southampton and PSC Southampton, set to take place from 11am on March 1st, from outside Trago Lounge in Portswood to the Peace Fountain in the city’s East Park.
They said: “At a time when the far right is becoming increasingly vocal, both nationally and locally, we must come together to defend Southampton’s proud reputation as a city of diversity, inclusion, and welcome.”
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