Police outline plans ahead of two protest marches in Southampton this Sunday

Police have confirmed they are preparing for two protest marches set to take place in Southampton this Sunday (1 March), with officers set to be deployed across key routes in the city.

One march is due to begin in Abbotts Way before moving along The Avenue, London Road and Above Bar Street, concluding in Guildhall Square. A second group is expected to gather in Portswood Road, before walking along Onslow Road and finishing in East Park.

Officers say they have been working closely with organisers from both groups to help ensure the events pass safely and with minimal disruption to the wider community.

Superintendent Alex Charge, District Commander for Southampton, said the force remains committed both to protecting the right to protest and to maintaining public safety.

He said: “We have been informed of plans for two marches which will be taking place in Southampton this Sunday (1 March) and I wanted to take this opportunity to once again share our commitment to upholding people’s right to gather and also to our local communities, whose safety is always a priority.

“On the day, we have been advised of a march starting in Abbotts Way, passing along The Avenue, London Road and Above Bar Street, before concluding in Guildhall Square.

“We have also been informed of a second march, with the group meeting in Portswood Road, before walking along Onslow Road and ending in East Park.

“Since protests began in Portswood last summer, our position has been very clear. Our role is not to take sides or pass judgement on a cause, but to facilitate your right to gather and express your views freely and lawfully.

“During the organisation of this weekend’s marches, we have liaised closely with the two groups to discuss their plans and ensure these have the least impact possible on the wider community, and that each can be safely facilitated.

“The commanders overseeing the planning and policing of these events undertake careful reviews of the number of attendees we may expect, the suitability of proposed routes and what safety measures the groups themselves are putting in place, as well as ensuring we have the right number of officers, with the right skillsets, on duty and present to manage them.

“As well as considering the upcoming event, we also undertake regular reviews of previous protests and marches, to look at what we may have done differently with hindsight and what changes we need to make in the future.

“I am pleased that we still have only had a small number of incidents linked to protests and marches in the city since the summer, but want to remind everyone attending this weekend that should your behaviour move from a lawful expression of your views into anti-social or criminal behaviour, then we will take action.

“If you do have any concerns on the day, then please speak to one of the officers who will be present and highly visible.”

Police have encouraged anyone attending either event to do so peacefully and to follow instructions from officers on duty.