Portsmouth protests see new face covering ban in force

Rival protest groups marched through Portsmouth on Saturday as new police powers banning face coverings at protests came into effect, with a large police presence separating the demonstrators. The measures, introduced under the Crime and Policing Act, took effect at 10:00 BST, with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary stating they aim to prevent violence and disorder. Up to 500 anti-migrant protesters gathered outside All Saints Church, while Stand up to Racism counter-demonstrators marched nearby, with no participants seen wearing masks. The protests follow disorder on 6 September, when hundreds blocked roads to stop coaches carrying 120 migrants from leaving Eastney Marina. Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo said the powers apply equally to all groups and are not intended to prevent protest but to make communities feel safer.