The three Portswood ward councillors have issued a joint statement to condemn protests at Highfield House Hotel, said to house some asylum seekers.
Article continues after this message...
It follows action described as an “anti asylum seeker demonstration”, outside the hotel last Friday evening (July 25), with similar action reported in cities including Leeds, Portsmouth, and in Nottinghamshire.
Portswood ward councillor Katherine Barbour (Green) posted a joint statement on behalf of herself and the two other ward councillors, John Savage (Lab) and Marie Finn (Lab), condemning “the recent protests outside Highfield House hotel which is housing some of the asylum seekers in our city”.
They said: “Our city, and Portswood in particular, is a diverse and tolerant place and we welcome people from all over the world to make their home here and to thrive in our community.
“We are deeply concerned about the intimidating or frightening effect this must be having on people staying in the hotel
“We do not condone these demonstrations and will stand up to racism wherever we witness this in the course of our work as ward councillors in Portswood.
“This does not represent the values of our residents and we will work tirelessly to build trust and cohesion in our city.”
The Daily Echo reported after the protest that Southampton Test MP Satvir Kaur said everyone has the right to protest peacefully, but hate is not welcome in the city.
Hampshire Constabulary said the “protest was peaceful and passed without any incidents reported to the police,” reported the Echo.
Background
House of Lords – questions on Asylum Hotels – July 23, 2025. iPlayer