Hundreds of Police Officers Drafted in for Britain First Protest in Manchester
Police chiefs have confirmed that hundreds of officers will be deployed across Manchester city centre this Saturday to manage a far-right Britain First march, which is anticipated to draw significant counter-protests. The event is expected to involve around 1,000 supporters of the anti-immigration party and a similar number of counter-demonstrators, prompting a substantial police presence to ensure public safety and order.
Facilitating Protest While Keeping Manchester Open for Business
While authorities are committed to facilitating the right to protest, they have emphasised their priority is to keep Manchester open for business, aiming to minimise disruption for the approximately 120,000 visitors typically seen on a Saturday. To achieve this, extra officers will be on duty, and enhanced police powers are in effect for the city centre. These powers include the authority to issue dispersal orders, allowing arrests for non-compliance, and expanded stop and search capabilities, which permit officers to request the removal of face coverings.
March Details and Expected Disruption
Organisers of the Britain First demonstration, advertised as a St George's Day parade, have agreed a route with police. The march is scheduled to commence at 1.15pm from Store Street, near Piccadilly station, concluding with a gathering and speeches in St Peter's Square, with the event expected to end around 3pm. Disruption on roads and to public transport is anticipated, particularly close to the city centre and along the march route.
Police Statement and Public Advice
Rick Jackson, Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), stated: The public should expect to see a large police presence in the city centre on Saturday as part of our policing operation focused on keeping people safe and minimising the wider impact during the planned protest and counterprotests. Disruption should be expected but we are working with partners in the city centre to mitigate this. We'll have significant resources in place to facilitate protest and to ensure our local communities, businesses and visitors to Manchester can go about their day safely and with as minimal impact as possible. Our officers will police without fear or favour, ensuring those exercising their right to protest can do so safely, while intervening when behaviour crosses the line into criminality.
Updates will be provided through GMP's account on X, and police advise people intending to travel into the city centre to follow the latest travel advice at relevant transport websites.
