Photos by Milo Wilson of counter demonstrators in Portswood.
A city anti-racism group has criticised Southampton City Council for failing to take action against an anti-asylum seeker group who held an unlawful rally in a city centre park in October (26/10/25).
In a statement published last week, Southampton Stand Up To Racism said:
“Southampton Stand Up To Racism calls on the Council leadership to: explain the continued failure to enforce the law following the illegal far-right rally in Hoglands Park; apply bylaws consistently and without delay; issue clear public statements rejecting racist intimidation; act decisively to protect the dignity and safety of asylum seekers and local residents.”
In Common asked Southampton City Council to respond to the criticisms. However, the council did not address all of the points directly, instead issuing the following statement on behalf of Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council:
“Southampton City Council is committed to upholding the rights of individuals and groups to engage in lawful protest. We recognise that the ability to express views peacefully is an essential part of a democratic society. Throughout recent events, the council has continued to work closely and constructively with Hampshire Constabulary to ensure that these rights are respected while maintaining public safety across our city.
“Equally, we are clear that unity, compassion and togetherness are the values that define Southampton. Ours is a city known for its strength, diversity and community spirit. The council, alongside the police, will not tolerate any form of crime, anti‑social behaviour, or conduct motivated by hate, racism or division.
“Since August 2025, the council and police have met weekly to review all available legal powers and operational options. This joint approach ensures that our response continues to balance and protect the right to protest, prevent escalation, address criminal and anti‑social behaviour promptly, and minimise disruption for residents, businesses and visitors.
“All council activity relating to the management of recent demonstrations has been carried out fully within existing legislative guidelines. Our priority remains the dignity and safety of everyone in Southampton, and we will continue to work with our partners and communities to maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive city for all.”
Southampton Stand Up To Racism responded to the comments, saying: “Southampton Stand Up To Racism welcomes the Council Leader’s commitment to lawful protest and public safety.
“However, our concern has never been about the right to protest in principle, but about the council’s failure to clearly and publicly challenge racist intimidation in practice.
“For months, asylum seekers at Highfield House Hotel have faced sustained harassment from the Southampton “Patriots.”
“While the council speaks of unity and compassion, these values require visible moral leadership, including clear public condemnation of racist intimidation and consistent enforcement of the law.
“The council leader previously stated that legal action would follow the illegal rally by the “Patriots” in Hoglands Park. Months later, no explanation has been given. Communities judge leadership by outcomes, not process.
“It is time for the council to act decisively to protect dignity, safety and community cohesion — and demonstrate the leadership this city expects.”
Southampton Stand Up To Racism will be back in Portswood, Southampton, on Friday (6/2/26) to hold a counter demonstration against yet another anti-asylum protest set to be held outside Highfield House Hotel, which houses asylum seekers, placed there by the Home Office while they await the outcome of their asylum applications.
SSUTR will be meeting outside Waitrose in Portswood at 5pm before marching up Portswood high street and holding a ‘defend refugees’ counter-demonstration.
They said the actions of the anti-asylum seeker protesters “over recent months have targeted some of the most vulnerable people in our city — individuals seeking safety, stability, and a chance to rebuild their lives.
“These demonstrations are not harmless. They create fear, tension, and hostility for asylum seekers and for our wider community. We refuse to let this atmosphere go unchallenged.”
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