A Facebook post by Labour MP Satvir Kaur regarding her letter of complaint to the police over protests at Southampton’s Highfield House Hotel has ignited a firestorm of criticism from local residents. Many have taken to social media to accuse Kaur of ignoring genuine community concerns and branding peaceful protestors as “far right” or “racist.”
The Highfield House Hotel, which has housed asylum seekers for several years, has become the centre of weekly demonstrations. Kaur’s public letter to police, which cited “racist and far-right abuse” and called for a stronger police response, prompted hundreds of comments from Southampton locals, many expressing anger at what they see as political point-scoring and a lack of action over crime and antisocial behaviour.
One local, Wodge Wodge, summed up the frustration: “MPs are all the same. Gutless, lying, manipulative and weak individuals. The country has had enough. All the crimes committed so far and all you do is talk. Innocent people getting harmed nearly every day. It’s diabolical to say the least.” Others questioned why their concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour have gone unanswered, while the MP responds swiftly to complaints about protests.
“So hang on, I wrote to you in May regarding the antisocial behaviour in Shirley yet I’ve heard nothing and you’ve mentioned nothing,” wrote Beckie Farrington. “Even people who have moved to this country legally… don’t feel happy with the amount of unknown men arriving every day!” Several commenters accused Kaur of hypocrisy, pointing to her silence on other protest movements. “Two years of Palestinian protests every weekend all over the country no doubt is fine with you… hypocrites,” wrote Philip Arthur Smith.
Arthur Guinness criticised the MP for “politicising for gain,” while Kat Annells wrote, “Calling people racist again – you really are clueless… it’s a total disgrace.”Residents also invited the MP to hear their concerns in person. “Dear Satvir Kaur MP, I invite you to come along to Highfield House on Friday evening… and listen to the concerned residents of Southampton who have now been standing week after week and our numbers growing to make you and the rest of our government listen,” wrote Craig Jones. “Maybe it’s time to listen to the people of this city, not the puppets pulling your strings.”
Many posts referenced incidents of masked counter-protesters, alleged attacks on local residents and photographers, and claims that the real intimidation comes from the Stand Up To Racism faction supporting the asylum hotel. “Surely you should be more concerned with the protestors who had full face coverings and hoody pulled over their heads on a hot sunny Sunday afternoon,” wrote Ady Saint. “Maybe your focus should be for the residents who are scared to go out…”
David Extance asked, “Can you explain why not a single concerned protester had their faces covered, and evidently the counter protestors were covered up… which would be very intimidating for local residents?” The anger extended beyond local issues, with some commenters blaming the Labour Party and its leadership for ignoring genuine public concerns. “Labour government needs to listen to the people of this country. They are fed up of being dumbed down,” said Linda Mcfadden. “Government is elected to serve the people, not the other way round.”
Despite the backlash, Kaur did receive some public support on the post comments with Labour Councillor Vivienne Windle backing Kaur’s: “Residents have had enough of people coming into Southampton from Portsmouth and other towns to make trouble and disturb the peace. Thank you, Satvir, for raising this. I know you’ve had a lot of complaints about these extremists and their behaviour.”
The MP for Southampton Test doesn’t seem to be creating unity in the Southampton community, with residents divided over the presence of asylum seekers and the conduct of both protesters and counter-protesters. Some, like Mark Prince, insisted their concerns were not rooted in extremism: “I’m not far right as your side like to claim, but a local man with 5 lovely children who I don’t want these unvetted men freely walking around. Would you?”
It remains to be seen if Satvir Kaur will accept the invitation to meet with her constituents to discuss this matter. Judging by her il-founded remarks we’d assume she isn’t open for any discussions with the local southampton community as she has already made her mind up on which side she stands.
Being called a racist for wanting better for our children ??? Not wanting these illegal immigrants in our country for real safety reasons nothing to do with colour race or creed !
I was proudly one of the hundreds of protesters on Sunday, and to be stood next to a vicar , who was being targeted and slice throat gesture , a group of 10 or so hooded rats , covering there faces ….. wanting to cause nothing else but problem on a larger scale , maybe instead of brandishing these accusations , she should actually come and see with her own eyes and listen to what is actually going on before reporting more lies
Grow up