Police warn face coverings banned at Portsmouth protest this weekend

Hampshire Police have warned that anyone attending protests in Portsmouth this weekend wearing a face covering could face immediate arrest, using new powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2025 to prevent violence and intimidation. The decision follows clashes on 6 September at Eastney Marina, where protesters confronted police over small boat arrivals, and earlier disorder in Dover that damaged vehicles and injured officers. A 42-year-old man has been charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police officer. The face-covering ban applies within a police-designated map area from 10am Saturday to 10am Sunday, enforced impartially. YouGov polling on 11 September shows 68% of Britons support the measure, while groups plan rival marches in the city centre.