Southampton Demonstrations: Key individual networks (KINS) update from A/Inspector Richards, Southampton North Neighbourhood Policing Team – Saturday 21 February 2026

“Dear Kins

I wanted to update you following the demonstration involving both protestors and counter‑protestors on Friday 20th February 2026 outside the Highfield House Hotel.

A Section 34 dispersal authorisation under the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 was enacted, enabling officers to direct individuals to leave a designated area where their behaviour, or the likely impact of their behaviour, could cause harassment, alarm, distress, crime, or disorder.

This power does not prevent lawful protest, but it gives officers the flexibility to act swiftly when there is a risk of escalation or harm to the local community.  The power was used proportionately and effectively, and the event concluded safely with no arrests made.

You may also be aware that both the protest group and the counter‑protest groups are planning a procession on 1st March 2026, assembling in Portswood and concluding at separate locations within the City Centre. To reassure you, we have ongoing multi‑agency planning meetings in place to ensure detailed resourcing plans, risk assessments, and partner coordination to minimise disruption and maintain public safety.

We are working closely with the local authority and community representatives to identify any potential risks and put appropriate mitigations in place.

Our approach seeks to balance the right to peaceful protest with the need to protect residents, businesses, and the wider community from disorder or intimidation.

Public order teams, neighbourhood officers, and engagement staff will be deployed to deliver a coordinated policing response. We are also monitoring online activity and any intelligence developments to ensure our plans remain responsive and proportionate.

Should you or your team receive further information or have any concerns ahead of 1st March, please do not hesitate to get in touch so it can be incorporated into our planning.

If you have any concerns or information you wish to share, you can contact us via:

• Online reporting
  • 101 (non-emergency)
  • 999 (emergency only)

Contact your local policing team | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Yozanne

A/Inspector 21260 Yozanne Richards

Southampton North Neighbourhood Policing Team

Portswood Police Station”

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Another protest update from Southampton North NPT.

Nadine

Nadine Johnson

HRA Communications

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