Winchester News Online
Anti-migration protest draws crowds in Southampton
Signs, flags and people dressed in redcoats took their disapproval of current migration policies to the streets of Southampton.
Hundreds of protesters took to Highfield Lane on 26th of October, as part of a series of anti-immigration protests across the UK.
The rallies sparked a wave of counter protests, continuing pattern of public gatherings on both sides.
This is not the first anti-immigration protest Southampton has seen. There have been repeated demonstrations outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers.
Data from the Home office shows that more than 1,011 applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, a 14% increase on last year.
And this summer, Channel crossings passed 25,00 faster than any previous year since records began.
Anti migration protesters argued that migration numbers were “ridiculous” and that the high number of asylum seekers is “unsustainable”.
Some also raised concerns about access to the NHS and housing, which they claim is “being made worse by mass migration”.
On the other hand, counter protestors said that migration is “not at all a problem” and that these types of demonstrations “are not real British values”.
Statistics from YouGov show that, at a national level, police-recorded hate crimes increased by 2% across England and Wales, including a 6% rise in race-hate crimes and a 3% rise in religious hate crimes over the previous year.
Pro-migration demonstrators highlighted that they are “acceptant of everyone regardless of nationality, race or religion” and that the asylum hotels are “not a problem to the nation at all”.
The police said both protests were peaceful overall, although one arrest was made.
In total about 600 people took part in the anti-racism march and 400 in the anti-immigration protest.
Winchester News Online
Police hunt man who threw chair and threatened shoppers
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Winchester News Online
Police officers injured during anti-migration rally
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
Winchester News Online
Residents warned over closure of recycling centre
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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