Portsmouth bans face coverings at protests to curb disorder

Hampshire Police have banned face coverings at protests in Portsmouth city centre from Saturday morning to Sunday morning, warning violators face arrest under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act. The measure aims to prevent crime and disorder following masked demonstrations in the city over the past week. The restrictions include a Section 60AA order allowing officers to force the removal of face concealments. Anti-migrant groups, including the South Coast Patriots, have encouraged attendees to use sunglasses, hats, and war paint to bypass the ban, while a large police presence was deployed as both demonstrators and counter-protesters from Stand Up to Racism gathered. Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo said the powers are intended to keep communities safe rather than prevent lawful protest. Activist Daniel Thomas confirmed his group, Patriot Platform, would not participate in the event.