By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter

Calls are being made for protests outside a Southampton hotel that is housing asylum seekers to be moved to a city centre location.

 

Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Richard Blackman said the weekly demonstrations at the Highfield House Hotel in Portswood were causing tensions within communities.

He said the protests in the area around the Highfield Lane site are “increasingly a burden on neighbouring residents”.

The Bassett ward member has tabled a motion to next week’s full council meeting, which, if backed by a majority of councillors, would require Labour council leader Cllr Alex Winning to work with those policing the marches to seek a consensus for their relocation close to the Civic Centre.

It would also stipulate that political groups would ensure a small number of councillors are available from all parties to meet with representatives of protesters and counter-protesters at the Civic Centre when demonstrations take place.

Cllr Blackman, pictured left, said: “The proposal to relocate the protests can only succeed if a consensus to do so can be found with the protesters.

“We will have to see if that is possible.

“The area close to the Civic Centre is Southampton’s ‘civic space’ and I think it’s therefore a more appropriate location for demonstrations.

“I would hope that by councillors of all parties being available to meet with representatives of protesters that a more meaningful dialogue could be established.”

Cllr Blackman’s motion says the protests do “little to address the underlying issues”, while more recent marches through Portswood were also affecting local businesses, it adds.

He said he tabled the proposals because he thinks the “ongoing and escalating” impact of the protests on the community needed to be considered by full council.

Cllr Blackman added: “As a nearby resident I have felt the intimidatory nature of the protests, and I would like them to stop, however the right to protest in a liberal democracy also needs to be upheld.

“There is significant concern about what is happening, and I would hope that the proposal could go some way to reducing tensions and the harm caused by the protests.”

Two months ago, the Green Party called for the authorities to prevent protests from continuing outside the Highfield House Hotel.

At the time, a city council spokesperson said they acknowledged concerns expressed regarding the protests.

They added that people had the right to lawfully express their views and the council worked closely with police to ensure that protests remained lawful and safe for residents, visitors and those staying in the hotel.

Link
Open letter from Southampton district commander about policing of protest in the city