Two opposing protests are taking place this weekend
A councillor has called for calm and respect ahead of planned protests in Gosport town centre this weekend.
Two groups are expected to gather on Sunday, prompting concerns following previous demonstrations in the area.
Hampshire Resistance – which is described as “supporting British culture and values” – will meet at the Falklands Memorial Garden before marching along the High Street and back along South Street.
Meanwhile, the unity rally will gather outside the Discovery Centre from 12.45pm.
Cllr Lesley Meenaghan, Conservative for Leesland and Town, said a protest held by Hampshire Resistance in April had been “completely disrespectful to our community, our families, our children”.
In a video shared on Facebook, she called for respect from all those involved.
She said: “This Sunday there are going to be two groups in Gosport town centre – Hampshire Resistance and a unity rally from Gosport Together.
“In April, Hampshire Resistance conducted a protest march in Gosport and were completely disrespectful to our community, our families, our children, and to us who live in Gosport. We were shocked by that behaviour.
“Of course we recognise and respect freedom of speech, but that is a two-way street.
“If you are going to come here and you’re going to hold a protest, do a march, make a speech, let’s be respectful of Gosport and its residents and children.
“Let’s be respectful to each other.”
Meanwhile, organisers of the Gosport Together counter-demonstration said their event is aimed at promoting unity and opposing what they described as hate-driven rhetoric.
In a Facebook post, Gosport Together said: “Far right groups from Portsmouth plan to hold a protest in Gosport.
“While they claim this will be a ‘peaceful protest,’ previous events have involved hate speech against minority groups, targeted harassment, and violent rhetoric which included several arrests afterwards.
“This group does not represent our community, and their presence threatens the safety and wellbeing of residents.”
The group added it is made up of residents “dedicated to keeping our town safe, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone, regardless of race, religion, culture, or gender”.
They said: “Please join us on August 2 to stand together in unity against hate and show that everyone is welcome in Gosport.”
