Rival Anti-Immigration And Counter Marches Lock Down Southampton; Public Order Act Used, £100K Police Costs Revealed

Several hundred anti-immigration protesters and a similar number of counter-demonstrators marched in Southampton, prompting police to seal off Portswood Road and impose Public Order Act conditions. Officers from Kent and Thames Valley supported Hampshire Constabulary, disrupting traffic and public transport while keeping groups about 50m apart. The local police and crime commissioner said more than £100,000 was spent in August policing similar demonstrations in Portsmouth and Southampton. Authorities emphasized balancing protest rights with public safety.