Council Leader issues statement ahead of potential protests in Southampton

Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council has issued the following statement in advance of potential demonstrations in the city this week

“Southampton has a long history of welcoming people from around the world and for being a city of Sanctuary. We reconfirmed that status last week.

“While I support the right to peaceful protest, I am disappointed that there is an anti-immigration demonstration scheduled to happen in Southampton and we will work with the Police to ensure that the event takes place without the violence and destruction seen elsewhere in the country. However, there is disinformation being shared on social media, with the clear intention to incite hate and increase tensions in local communities.

“This false and damaging information being peddled by right-wing racists elsewhere in the country can spread quickly encouraging people to jump on a band wagon.

“We will continue to monitor the situation. However, anyone seeking to come to Southampton to whip up criminal, violent or antisocial behaviour is not welcome, and I urge anyone taking to the streets in protests or counter-protests to do so lawfully and peacefully.”

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