Gosport protests: Police ban face coverings and issue dispersal order in preparation for anti-migrant protest and counter protest
Police are preparing for protest in Gosport on Sunday
Police have made plans to curtail anti-social behaviour as rival groups prepare to protest in Gosport this weekend.
It has been confirmed that face coverings will be banned and a dispersal order put in place between 10am and 8pm on Sunday, October 25 around Haslar Detention Centre. An anti-migrant protest and counter protest is taking place in the area with one group of protestors set to march towards the detention centre from the town at 1pm.
Hampshire police have said they will police the event “without fear or favour” and have put measures in place to help them “maintain public safety and public confidence”.
A Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said: “As a police service we attend protest events to protect the right to gather and express views freely and peacefully. We can utilise powers if necessary and proportionate before and during protest activity to prevent crime and maximise safety.
“This weekend, police will be using a number of powers in order to achieve this. Firstly, a dispersal order has been authorised under Section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014). This power is being utilised to help officers deal with any incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the area.”
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The dispersal order gives police the power to order anyone suspected to be involved in anti-social behaviour to leave the area and to not return in the specified time period. Anyone who refuses will be committing a criminal offense.
As was seen in the anti-migrant and counter protests in Portsmouth last month, police have once again banned face coverings.
The spokesperson added: “Powers under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, and Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 will also be in place in parts of Gosport.
“Section 157 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 prohibits the wearing of face coverings used to conceal identity during any protest activity, and under Section 158 police have the power to designate an area where face coverings are prohibited, and give notice to the public of this. This will assist in preventing offences, protecting communities and supporting the lawful exercise of democratic rights by all participants.
“Section 60AA gives officers the power to require a person to remove any items being used to conceal their identity, such as masks and face coverings. Any failure to comply can result in the person being arrested.”
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With one group of protestors set to march towards Haslar, police have also imposed powers under Section 12 of the Public Order Act 1986 which means that the procession must begin no later than 3pm and not deviate from a previously agreed route and not stop on route to the final destination.
The police spokesperson said: “Police have spoken with the respective protest organisers who are aware of the powers being utilised. The organisers of the procession are aware of the S12 conditions and will share this information with those attending.”