Rival protests in Portsmouth as face masks banned
Rival groups of anti-migrant protesters and counter-protesters marched in Portsmouth following the implementation of new police powers banning face coverings. Authorities maintained a heavy presence to keep the groups separated and prevent potential disorder.
Why it matters
The intersection of civil liberties, protest rights, and immigration policy remains a volatile and significant issue in contemporary UK politics.
Image caption, Several hundred anti-migrant protesters were escorted through the city centre
Rival groups of protesters have marched through Portsmouth as police restrictions on the use of masks and balaclavas came into effect.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said on Friday it would use new powers under the Crime and Policing Act to prevent people involved in protest activity from wearing face coverings that conceal their identity.
A large police presence could be seen in the city centre, where anti-migrant protesters assembled, while rival demonstrators holding Stand up to Racism banners began a march shortly afterwards.
The measures came into effect at 10:00 BST. Participants on both sides were not seen to be wearing any face coverings when the marches started.
Image caption, The two groups both marched to Portsmouth's Guildhall Square
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