Violent thugs told 'you're not welcome in Southampton' amid protests

It comes as at least two protests appear to be planned in the city in the wake of riots that are sweeping across the country following the fatal stabbing of three children in Southport.

A list of protests set to take place across the country on Wednesday night has been posted on Telegram, including one in central Southampton.

The post on the social media platform said: “Wednesday night lads, they wont stop coming until you tell them…mask up.”

Separate posts on Facebook suggest another protest is to be held next weekend.

READ MORE: Southampton MP slams police commissioner Donna Jones' riot comments

Riots near the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire (Image: PA) Those attending are being told to wear ‘England tops or St George’s cross’ and have been told to ‘help us awaken the lion on the south coast’.

Now religious leaders and campaigners have told the Daily Echo they do not want to see unrest in Southampton.

Jayanti Shah MBE, known as Jay, is an anti-racism campaigner working in Southampton for more than 50 years and was honoured in 2020 for his work in improving race relations.

He said that the situation across the country and now in Southampton was ‘extremely frightening’.

He told the Echo: “People are using anti-immigration as an excuse for riots, disorder and drumming up racism.

“I’m not religious myself but am well aware that Muslims in some areas are now facing something akin to what black immigrants faced right back in the 1980s.

“This is about people refusing to accept those with a different culture as their neighbour.”

READ MORE: Southampton MP slams police commissioner Donna Jones' riot comments

'Unified against hate'

Southampton Test MP Satvir Kaur said those wanting to cause violence do not represent Southampton.

“Southampton is a proud, modern and vibrant city, made up of people of all ages and backgrounds," she said.

“We are the great city we are because of our diversity, rather than in spite of it.

“The riots and damage caused in other cities from looting, targeted hate attacks and burning of buildings, has led to huge concern for local families here and is not welcome in our city.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in our communities.

“Everything must be done to ensure they do, including those responsible being held to account, and no form of criminality or hate being tolerated.

“Those that now want to target Southampton should know that you do not represent us.

“Sowing division, hate, and fear achieves nothing - and the people of Southampton remain unified against it, now and always.”

Riots across the UK (Image: PA) Religious leaders have also spoken out against potential violence, saying the city must ‘stand united against hate and division’.

Paul Woodman, leader of City life Church in Southampton, said: “The far-right protests are a stark reminder of the work we must continue to do to foster inclusivity, respect, understanding, and compassion.

“Our faith teaches us to love our neighbours and to advocate for justice and peace. We condemn any actions or rhetoric that seek to divide us and harm our shared humanity.”

Violent criminals 'not welcome'

Southampton City Council leader, Councillor Lorna Fielker, said the authority is monitoring the situation.

She said: “Anyone seeking to come to Southampton to whip up criminal, violent or antisocial behaviour is not welcome."

She added: “I am disappointed that there is a demonstration scheduled to happen in Southampton and we will work with the police to ensure that the event is peaceful.

“However, there is disinformation being shared on social media, with the clear intention to incite hate and increase tensions in local communities.

“This false and damaging information can spread quickly encouraging people to jump on a band wagon being peddled by right-wing racists elsewhere in the country.”

'Hang their heads in shame'

MP Darren Paffey, who represents Southampton Itchen, said: "The prospect that this pathetic thuggery and racism might happen in our city is frankly grim."

Southampton Itchen MP, Darren Paffey (Image: NQ) He added: "What we have seen elsewhere has nothing at all to do with ‘Britishness’. Those who choose to wrap themselves in our flag while engaging in mindless violence, division and hatred speak only for themselves, not for us.

"Our country rests on freedom of speech and the rule of law - not intimidation and torching neighbourhoods.

"The far-right rent-a-mobs behind this, and those who try to claim ‘they have a point’ should hang their heads in shame.

"Southampton is and always has been an outward-looking city where people feel welcome, whether they’re born here or choose to come here. Southampton’s people are resilient, diverse, hopeful.

"And our city is a microcosm of the broader ambitions of this country, to be a place where people unite to live in peace, and face down violence from those who don’t share our values."