Why did the protests take place in Portsmouth?
Organisers of the anti-immigration rally said they wanted to highlight what they described as uncontrolled illegal arrivals. Retired demonstrator Colin O’Malley told reporters that participants were protesting peacefully yet felt exasperated that people whose criminal records and backgrounds were unknown were entering the country. Several participants carried Union flags and English flags. A second participant, Lorraine, identified herself with the Patriots of Portsmouth group, an apparent local reference to the network promoted by activist Daniel Thomas. The source leaves unsettled how many participants belonged to any formal group and whether the rally drew new supporters beyond those already active the previous weekend.
How did police manage the two opposing demonstrations?
Officers established a security perimeter to keep the anti-immigration rally and the Stand Up Against Racism counter-protest apart. The Home Secretary had previously instructed forces to use all necessary powers, including arrests of masked individuals, to prevent unlawful acts. On this occasion no participants appeared to wear masks, and the two crowds did not come into direct contact. Police presence remained heavy throughout the afternoon. The source provides no further detail on the exact number of officers deployed or the precise size of the perimeter.
What happened during the afternoon demonstrations?
Minor scuffles between officers and some anti-immigration demonstrators occurred in the early afternoon. One man was arrested on suspicion of damaging a police vehicle, according to the Press Association. Both gatherings dispersed around 18:00 without further reported incidents. Organisers of the counter-protest said their aim was to show that far-right groups do not control the city and that the majority of residents oppose racism. The source leaves unsettled whether any other arrests occurred later or whether damage to the police vehicle was extensive.
Who is Daniel Thomas and what role did he play?
Daniel Thomas, also known online as “Tomo”, had promoted earlier rallies in Dover and Portsmouth the previous weekend. Participants at those events wore black clothing and face coverings, drawing comparisons to 1930s fascist movements. Thomas announced on the social platform X that he would not attend the 12 September demonstration, although he had advertised it. The British government has publicly labelled such masked groups “thugs”. The source provides no additional biographical information about Thomas or confirmation of how widely his network extends beyond the two cited rallies.
What statements were made by participants on both sides?
Anti-immigration demonstrator Colin O’Malley emphasised that the protest was peaceful while stressing concern over unknown backgrounds of new arrivals. Counter-protester John Woods told Agence France-Presse that he attended to demonstrate that the far-right does not control Portsmouth and that most residents reject racism. Both sides presented their actions as expressions of local sentiment rather than organised violence. The source leaves unsettled whether other participants made additional statements that were not recorded by reporters on the day.
Frequently asked questions
What was the size of the crowds?
Reports described several hundred participants on each side, although exact headcounts were not released by organisers or police.
Were any injuries reported?
No injuries were mentioned in official statements or eyewitness accounts from the day.
Did the rallies involve masked participants?
Unlike the previous weekend’s events, no masked individuals were observed during the 12 September demonstrations.
Who organised the counter-protest?
The anti-racism group Stand Up Against Racism coordinated the opposing demonstration under the slogan “Stop the Far Right”.
Where else have similar protests occurred recently?
Comparable demonstrations took place the previous weekend in the port of Dover and again in Portsmouth, both promoted by the same far-right activist.
