Hundreds of Britain First supporters and anti-racism counter-protesters gathered in Manchester on Saturday, with three people arrested after scuffles with police. The far-right group, led by Paul Golding, had organised the march to celebrate St George’s Day, claiming protesters needed to demonstrate against the “extinction” of Britain due to “invaders entering our country”.
Local leaders, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig, had called for unity ahead of the event. Burnham stated there was “no place in Greater Manchester for any form of racism or hate”, while Craig urged people to celebrate “the fact that we have more in common than our differences”.
The march began at 1.15pm, with hundreds of Britain First supporters carrying Union Jack and England flags across central Manchester. A smaller number of counter-protesters attempted to stand on tram tracks before being moved to a designated spot by police and surrounded in a protective ring. Police estimated around 1,000 protesters and counter-protesters were present in total.
Greater Manchester Police reported that pepper spray was used after some counter-protesters tried to break police lines and throw punches at officers. The demonstration was mostly peaceful, with three arrests: two male counter-protesters (one for failing to provide details after being asked to remove a face covering, and one for assaulting a police officer) and a woman arrested on suspicion of breaching the peace, whose affiliation was unknown.
Hundreds of police officers were on duty, with dispersal orders in place. Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson thanked officers, saying: “Hundreds of people from a range of groups were able to come together safely, with no significant issues reported.” The police presence was increased after violence at Britain First’s previous march in February, which led to 11 arrests. Tram services were temporarily disrupted but resumed in the afternoon.
Britain First is a far-right group led by Paul Golding, who has convictions for a terror offence and a hate crime. The group has previously carried out “Christian patrols” and “mosque invasions”, and targeted hotels housing asylum seekers. In response to the demonstrations, Manchester City Council launched a poster campaign with the message: “Manchester stands united against hate”.
