Gosport protests: Live updates as anti-immigration and counter demonstrators form up ahead of march

Protestors and counter demonstrators are forming up in Gosport ahead of a planned march.

Individuals are congregating across the town today (October 25). Anti-immigration protestors have marked the route towards Haslar detention centre with flags, with counter demonstrators grouping up on the high street.

Extensive police powers have been put in place in an effort to curb anti-social behaviour and subsequent crimes.

Pictures and video clips from the scene have shown among them men wearing face coverings and stab vests with British Security Project printed on the back. Anti-racism groups have been holding placards with statements including as “hate doesn’t speak for us” and “I refuse to hate my neighbour”.

Face coverings will be banned and a dispersal order powers will be enforced from now until 8pm around Haslar Detention Centre. Anti-immigration protestors are set to march towards the detention centre at 1pm, with counter demonstrators from groups including Stand Up to Racism congregating at a set spot.

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”. The force previously added: “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.”

Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage issued a statement ahead of the demonstrations this morning. The Conservative politician said: “There has been some misinformation circulating online about what these powers mean for local residents.

“I want to reassure residents that these powers do not prevent you from going about your normal daily business, whether that's visiting the town centre, supporting local shops or simply going about your day. The powers apply to both groups of protesters and allow the police to manage the demonstrations and take action where the legal grounds are met.”

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The demonstrations follow recent migrant boat landings in the Portsmouth area. Most recently, a vessel carrying 149 migrants made landfall in Gosport at Fort Blockhouse having crossed the English Channel, with the Home Office ignoring pleas from politicians and residents to stop such incidents.

A vessel transporting around 51 migrants in late September was heading towards Hampshire before being diverted to Dover. This followed a migrant boat landing at Eastney Point on earlier that month.

Subsequent demonstrations at all these events saw several arrests, with various individuals being charged and given prison sentences. These protests also saw black-shirted individuals attending and wearing balaclavas.

You can see continual updates of the demonstrations today by scrolling to the bottom of this live article.