Embedded Files
Book out now
BBC Radio Solent studios in Southampton
BBC Radio Solent studios in Southampton
I was interviewed by BBC Radio Solent's Katie Martin, to provide a comment and perspective as a former police officer, regarding the use of new police powers making it a criminal offence to wear a mask or face covering - for the purpose of concealing identity within a police-designated protect zone.
I was interviewed by BBC Radio Solent's Katie Martin, to provide a comment and perspective as a former police officer, regarding the use of new police powers making it a criminal offence to wear a mask or face covering - for the purpose of concealing identity within a police-designated protect zone.
This was following the three individuals that were arrested in Portsmouth on 12th September 2026 during opposing demonstrations, among them a 76-year-old man accused of hiding his identity under a newly enacted ban on face coverings.
This was following the three individuals that were arrested in Portsmouth on 12th September 2026 during opposing demonstrations, among them a 76-year-old man accused of hiding his identity under a newly enacted ban on face coverings.
Officers were deployed to the city centre as an anti-migrant rally coincided with a counter-protest by Stand Up To Racism. The arrests came after Hampshire Police announced they would utilize powers under the Crime and Policing Act to prohibit demonstrators from covering their faces.
Officers were deployed to the city centre as an anti-migrant rally coincided with a counter-protest by Stand Up To Racism. The arrests came after Hampshire Police announced they would utilize powers under the Crime and Policing Act to prohibit demonstrators from covering their faces.
In addition to the elderly man, a 33-year-old local resident was detained on suspicion of criminal damage and obstructing a highway, while a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder tied to a prior protest at Eastney Marina.
In addition to the elderly man, a 33-year-old local resident was detained on suspicion of criminal damage and obstructing a highway, while a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder tied to a prior protest at Eastney Marina.
Although the face covering ban took effect at 10:00 BST, marchers initially appeared without mask compliance issues. The latest demonstrations follow recent unrest at Eastney Marina, where hundreds blocked roads to stop buses transporting 120 Channel-crossing migrants.
Although the face covering ban took effect at 10:00 BST, marchers initially appeared without mask compliance issues. The latest demonstrations follow recent unrest at Eastney Marina, where hundreds blocked roads to stop buses transporting 120 Channel-crossing migrants.
It was an interesting discussion with the main topic being, should all face coverings be banned? She also kindly mentioned my book STOP, POLICE! The interview will be available for a short period on the BBC Sounds App. If you missed it, please head over to the BBC sounds app to catch up while you can. (About 1 hour into the program)
It was an interesting discussion with the main topic being, should all face coverings be banned? She also kindly mentioned my book STOP, POLICE! The interview will be available for a short period on the BBC Sounds App. If you missed it, please head over to the BBC sounds app to catch up while you can. (About 1 hour into the program)
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse