Southampton Demonstrations – KINS Community Contact update from Hampshire and IOW Constabulary – 30 July 2025

HRA has been added to the ‘Key Individual Network’ Community Contact update email list and will receive regular written communications from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary with regard to demonstrations in our area/the Southampton area. We understand that these email communications might be weekly and also after any significant events.

The first written communication from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is below and was issued yesterday evening, Wednesday 30 July 2025. We will continue to post all these updates, when received, on the ‘News & Events’ page of the HRA website for anyone to consult. However, while this first communication will be sent to HRA members by email, we will not be able to email subsequent updates to members. It is therefore important that if you would like to follow these updates when they are issued, that you click on the link below which takes you to the ‘News & Events’ page, where you can read them:

https://www.highfieldresidents.org.uk/news/

“Good Evening,

I wanted to share an update with you today, as I know you will be seeing discussion online and in the media about upcoming protests in our city, with one having already happened last week.

It is really important to us that we keep you updated, and let you know how we are policing these gatherings. While everyone has the right to protest lawfully, we will take action where this steps outside of this.

I also want to make sure you know that if you have any concerns or information which you want to share with us then please do get in touch. You can report information on our website, and you can also call 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Kind regards,

Superintendent Chris Douglas

Southampton District Commander”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

“Update 30.07.2025

You will be seeing reports in the media and discussion online about planned protests in the coming days and weeks, not just nationally but here in Southampton as well.

Our role as the police is not to take sides; we must recognise people’s right to protest but ensure this remains lawful and causes the least amount of disruption to your daily lives as possible.

As officers, we are used to seeing protest activity, but this may be the first time you have experienced such a thing happening in your local community. Protest activity is loud and there will inevitably be a knock-on impact to traffic, but we will always ensure we have the appropriate officers present to manage this.

We do expect to see a number of planned gatherings in the coming weeks, which we will police, and you may notice an increased police presence on such days.

During such gatherings, the priority for our teams is the safety of all those attending and the wider community, but please be assured this does not mean we do not investigate any unlawful behaviour and we will take action where required.

If you have any concerns or want to share any information with us, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can also report information online, by calling 101, or calling 999 in an emergency.

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

Our local teams will be carrying out patrols, particularly in the Portswood area. We will also share further updates with you weekly moving forward, along with an update following any significant events.

Kind regards,

Superintendent Chris Douglas

Southampton District Commander”

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary

Let’s Talk: Participate in our community survey to share your concerns with our officers. Your feedback helps us improve the area where you live and address local issues effectively. Sign up now and take our Let’s Talk survey to tell us about concerns in your local area: https://survey.hampshirealert.co.uk/