Far-right group Britain First are marching in Manchester, with a number of counter-demos also being held by anti-racism groups
Counter protestors gathered in Manchester city centre today ahead of a Britain First march for ‘remigration’. Various signs were spotted in amongst the group boasting phrases such as ‘Refugees welcome’ and ‘Smash the Far Right’.
It comes as supporters of the far-right group were due to meet outside Piccadilly station at noon before taking part in a ‘march for remigration and mass deportations’.
The several counter-protests, including Resist Britain First – a coalition of Greater Manchester campaign groups – and Stand Up To Racism Manchester, took place from 11.15am in the city centre. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed the SUTR rally in Piccadilly Gardens from 11.30am.
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Police have issued a 10-hour dispersal order on the city centre, giving officers extra powers to remove people from the area, while the demonstrations take place. GMP say it aims to ‘prevent anti-social behaviour, crime, harassment, alarm, or distress’.
In pictures, hundreds of counter protestors can be seen gathering in Piccadilly Gardens. Homemade signs state: “Stop Racist Reform UK”, ‘Health workers against the far right” and ‘Migrants make our NHS“.
Britain First protestors have also been seen holding the English flag.
On Thursday, Manchester council leader Bev Craig said Britain First were not welcome in Manchester and urged people to come together to ‘send a clear message that hate has no place in our city’.
The protest comes amid ongoing travel disruption across Manchester due to a ‘major overhaul’ project at Manchester Piccadilly station. The station is effectively closed until tomorrow (Sunday).