Hundreds of police officers will be on duty across Manchester city centre this Saturday as a far-right Britain First march is anticipated to draw significant counter-protests.
Police chiefs have confirmed a substantial presence to manage the event, which is expected to involve around 1,000 supporters of the anti-immigration party and a similar number of counter-demonstrators.
While facilitating the right to protest, authorities emphasised their priority is to keep Manchester “open for business”, aiming to minimise disruption for the 120,000 visitors typically seen on a Saturday.
To achieve this, extra officers will be deployed, and enhanced police powers are in effect for the city centre.
These 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.
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.
The event is expected to end around 3pm.
Disruption on roads and to public transport is expected, particularly close to the city centre and along the route of the march.
Rick Jackson, Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: “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 tfgm.com/weekend-travel-advice-18-19-april
