Southampton’s Labour councillors have found themselves at the centre of a social media storm after releasing a statement labelling a protest as a tool to ‘spread hostility’ ahead of a planned march this Sunday. The move follows last weekend’s march through Portswood, which was marred by violent clashes as women and children walking peacefully were verbally assaulted and attacked.
In a post on Facebook, the Southampton Labour Group wrote: “Southampton Labour Group stands united against hate, division, and intimidation. We are aware of plans for a protest this weekend that risks stoking fear and tension in our city. While we respect the right to lawful protest, we reject any attempt to use our streets to spread hostility or target communities. Southampton is a proud, welcoming city. We celebrate our diversity, our solidarity, and our history of standing together in the face of those who seek to divide us. Hate has no home here.
“The management of this protest and decisions around its route, policing, and public safety sit with Hampshire Constabulary. We are in contact with partners to ensure our communities feel safe, supported, and reassured. We call on all residents to remain calm, respectful, and united—and to show that Southampton’s strength lies in its compassion and courage.”
But the statement was met with a flood of furious responses from local residents, none of whom expressed support for the council’s position. Many accused Labour of hypocrisy, ignoring local concerns, and stoking division themselves.
Anthony Smith commented: “Interesting comment considering Labour’s hatred of all things British.” Chris Stevens raised health concerns, writing: “I wonder if Labour will be investigating the significant numbers of migrants who are being screened for TB at the General? Bearing in mind the fact that TB is highly infectious, it seems to me this screening is very risky.”
Allison McAlpine said: “Unfortunately, we the proper British people have been forgotten. As now we are the minority! Where this government and other Labour governments have gone all out for other countries to be welcoming and forgotten us. And because we are finally standing up we are accused of being racist and far right!”
Others accused Labour of ignoring evidence from last weekend’s march. Darren Russell asked: “Have Labour councillors not seen the videos going around of where the hate comes from? It certainly wasn’t the protesters. Or are they just putting the blinkers over their eyes when it comes to the evidence that was clear for all to see?”
There were also calls for tougher policing and criticism of how past demonstrations have been handled. Paul Manning wrote: “I agree, Southampton police and council need to clamp down on antifa, their masks, threats and bully boy antics and control them.” Dave Middleton added: “Local elections can’t come quickly enough, I don’t remember seeing or hearing anything like this when antisemitic marches were taking place.”
Some residents argued that Labour’s comments failed to acknowledge the complexity of tensions in the city. Marc Currie stated: “Southampton Labour council, you are correct about hate and division but from what I have seen the hate and division seemed to be coming from some idiotic ethnic minority boys so if you stand by your words in your statement it works both ways. The right will not be silenced by yours and the police bully boy tactics—it will only make it worse.”
Other commenters strongly condemned the Labour group, with John Bowles claiming: “Your group causes me fear and intimidation.” Mandy Ward, who said she attended the protest, alleged: “We had more women than men and loads of Muslim men were on both sides of the road screaming and shouting at us and calling us names so I think Southampton Labour Council or Labour Party need to get their facts right. It was disgusting.”
Labour are ignoring the inconvenient facts that includes the arrest of the person on the side of stand up to racism, where police found him to be armed with a knife. Then the guilty verdict of the local Islamist found guilty of terror offences.
While protesters maybe noisy, they have remained peaceful. Meanwhile, Labour councillors and Labour MP’s continue to the triad of verbal insults and accusations while ignoring the fact that Labour are continuing to fail to get to grips with the migrant crisis.
This day it was announced that last year’s total of illegal migrants has been surpassed.
So much for smashing the gangs, so much for one in, one out.
No wonder citizens are angry.
John Edwards
Maybush
John, what a load of trope! I was present there was no such thing. In fact I witnessed a gentleman with a union Jack being escorted by the police.