POLICE say they are planning to monitor activity in Southampton during a meeting due to be staged by the far-right Britain First party.
Officers will be available across the city to deal with any "challenges" that arise from the meeting, which is being held at a secret location.
Speakers at the event on February 7 are due to include the party's leader, Paul Golding, 41, who has twice been jailed over his activities.
READ MORE: Britain First invites 'staunch patriots' to Southampton
Britain First has sent a confidential email to people it thinks might be interested in attending the event.
It says: "Britain First will be holding a friendly south coast regional meeting (in Southampton).
"Party leader Paul Golding, Ashlea Simon and other leadership figures will be in attendance. Come along and meet other staunch patriots from your area.
"Once you have confirmed your attendance, you will receive the meeting point and time via SMS and email.
"Do not share this email or post it on social media - it is for your eyes only. Please do not share any of the details in this email with anyone. Please keep the contents of this email confidential."
READ MORE: How Southampton's population has changed in the past decade
Chief Insp Kennedy said police were "fully aware" of Britain First's intention to visit Southampton.
He added: "We will be closely monitoring activity in the city in the lead-up to and during the event, but based on the information we currently have to hand we do not anticipate any trouble or issues as a direct result of the planned meeting.
"However, our officers will be on-hand across the city if required to deal with any challenges that require our attention."
Britain First is a political party that was established in 2011 by former members of the British National Party (BNP).
It campaigns against multi-culturalism and what it sees as the Islamisation of the United Kingdom and advocates the preservation of traditional British culture.
In 2017 Britain First was deregistered by the Electoral Commission after failing to renew its registration in time but was re-registered in 2021.
READ MORE: Southampton marks first anniversary of George Floyd death
City council leader Satvir Kaur has said: "Southampton is a proud, diverse city - it's this diversity that makes us modern, dynamic, talented, creative, skilled and so much more.
"There is no place for hate within our communities.
"All political discussions should be peaceful and efforts should be made to bring people together rather than sew divisions."
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel