Labour's Justice Secretary David Lammy has issued a direct challenge to Greater Manchester Police, demanding immediate action to address concerns about the handling of pro-Palestine protests in Manchester city centre.
The high-level intervention comes after mounting pressure from local residents and business owners who have reported feeling increasingly unsafe during recent demonstrations that have drawn thousands of participants.
Growing Tensions in City Centre
According to multiple accounts, the protests have created significant disruption throughout Manchester's commercial districts, with reports of businesses being forced to close early and residents avoiding the city centre entirely during planned demonstrations.
One Manchester resident expressed the growing frustration, stating: "We're being held hostage in our own city. The police need to step up and ensure everyone feels safe."
Police Response Under Scrutiny
Greater Manchester Police now faces intense scrutiny over their approach to managing the large-scale demonstrations. Lammy's intervention signals that the new government expects more robust policing strategies to balance protest rights with public safety concerns.
The Justice Secretary's move represents one of the first significant tests of the Labour government's approach to policing and protest management since taking office.
Broader Implications for Protest Policing
This situation in Manchester raises important questions about how UK police forces should handle politically charged demonstrations while maintaining public order and ensuring all citizens feel protected.
The outcome of Lammy's intervention could set important precedents for how future protests are managed across major UK cities.
