Anti-migrant protests force The Fighting Cocks to close amid 'safety concerns'
Pub announces closure
Peaceful marches against migrants entering the country have forced a pub to make the ‘difficult decision’ to close amid safety concerns.
The Fighting Cocks, in Clayhall Road, Gosport, has confirmed it will not open on Sunday, October 25 due to anti-migrant protests which are anticipated to take place at the Haslar Immigration Removal Centre.
The pub took to social media today (October 21) explaining how previous protests in the area, which took place following the arrival of migrants on boats, caused “significant challenges including concerns around safety, visits from licensing, and a considerable amount of negative feedback on social media.”
The post said: “It is with a heavy heart that we have made the difficult decision to plan to close The Fighting Cocks on Sunday 25th October due to the planned march taking place locally.
“This has not been a decision we have taken lightly. Following the events surrounding the previous meeting, we have had to carefully consider the impact on the safety and wellbeing of our staff and customers, as well as the potential effects on our pub and business.
“We understand that some people may disagree with our decision, and we appreciate that this may cause disappointment or inconvenience to our regular customers. However, our priority must be the safety of our team, our customers and the future of The Fighting Cocks.”
This latest protest comes weeks thousands of opposing anti-migrant and Stand Up To Racism protesters marched through Portsmouth city centre in the wake of migrants arriving on boats in Gosport.