Events in Manchester's city centre on Saturday led to the arrest of eleven men following a march by the far-right group Britain First and counter-demonstrations. The protests, which focused on immigration, saw clashes between opposing groups and with police. A dispersal order was in place to manage the situation.
Background
On Saturday, the far-right group Britain First held a march in Manchester city centre. The group's stated aims included calls for "remigration and mass deportations." This event was met with counter-demonstrations from various organisations, including Stand Up To Racism and Resist Britain First, a coalition of Greater Manchester campaign groups.
The demonstrations began around midday, with Britain First supporters gathering near Piccadilly station before commencing their march at approximately 1:20 PM. Counter-protesters assembled in Piccadilly Gardens earlier in the day, from 11:15 AM.
Manchester city leader Bev Craig had previously stated that Britain First was not welcome in the city and urged residents to unite against hate.
To manage the gatherings, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) implemented a 10-hour dispersal order across the city centre, granting officers the authority to remove individuals from specific areas. This order was in effect until 8:00 PM GMT. The police also deployed additional officers, reportedly including mounted and dog units, to ensure safety and order.
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Arrests and Offences
Eleven men were arrested in connection with the events. The reported offences include:
Public order offences
Breach of the peace
Assault on an emergency worker
Assault
Breach of a dispersal notice
Initially, GMP reported that eleven men were arrested. Subsequently, two men were de-arrested. The remaining nine men were in custody.
| Offence | Number of Arrests | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Prevention of a breach of the peace | 2 | In custody |
| Assaulting emergency workers | 2 | In custody |
| Public order offences | 4 | In custody |
| Assault | 1 | Later de-arrested |
| Breaching a dispersal notice | 1 | Later de-arrested |
| Total Initially Arrested | 11 | |
| Total De-arrested | 2 | |
| Total Remaining in Custody | 9 |
Evidence of Clashes and Police Action
Reports indicate that violence broke out between the far-right marchers and counter-demonstrators, and also involved clashes with police officers.
A dispersal order was in place, granting police powers to disperse crowds. One man was ordered to leave the city centre.
GMP confirmed the arrests were made for a range of offences linked to public order, assault, and breaches of the dispersal notice.
The Daily Mail reported police arrested 11 people as violence erupted between far-right protesters and counter-demonstrators.
The BBC stated arrests were made on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, a public order offence, breach of the peace, and breach of a dispersal notice.
Diverse Perspectives on the Demonstrations
Britain First Marchers and their Aims
Supporters of Britain First gathered to advocate for what they termed "remigration and mass deportations." This far-right group's agenda directly targets immigration policies. Their presence and march were the primary catalyst for the police response and counter-protests.
Counter-Demonstrators and their Stance
Counter-protest groups, including Stand Up To Racism and Resist Britain First, mobilised to oppose Britain First's message. Their actions aimed to challenge the far-right group's presence and promote inclusivity, with some counter-protesters displaying "Refugees Welcome" placards. Manchester City Council's leader voiced opposition to Britain First, reinforcing the sentiment of welcome for diverse populations.
Police Operations and Dispersal
Greater Manchester Police enforced a dispersal order across the city centre. This measure allowed officers to direct individuals to leave the area and prohibited them from returning for a specified period. The objective was to maintain public order and prevent escalation of conflict. The arrests reflect the enforcement of these orders and responses to reported illegal activities.
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Expert Analysis
Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson stated that an additional 50 officers were deployed to manage the protests, indicating a significant police resource commitment.
Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig explicitly stated Manchester "does not welcome Britain First to our city," highlighting a local authority's position against the group's presence.
Findings and Implications
The events in Manchester on Saturday demonstrate a clear confrontation between a far-right political group and its opposition. The arrests of eleven individuals underscore the tensions and disruptions that occurred. The use of a dispersal order by Greater Manchester Police highlights the challenges of managing such demonstrations and the police's role in attempting to de-escalate potential conflicts. The motivations behind the arrests span public order violations, assaults, and breaches of police directions. The situation indicates that demonstrations related to immigration policy continue to be a source of significant public unrest and policing challenges.
Sources Used:
BBC News: Arrests as Britain First march and counter protests held in Manchester.
Manchester Evening News: Six arrested amid Britain First march in Manchester city centre.
The Daily Mail: Police arrest 11 as fights break out at Britain First march.
Daily Record: Britain First march turns violent with arrests in city clashes.
Link: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/britain-first-march-turns-violent-36760559
El-Balad: Britain First March Sparks Arrests During Counter-Protests.
The Mirror: Fights in streets as far-right Britain First marches in UK city - arrests made.
Link: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/britain-first-manchester-protests-live-36759629
Note: Article 6 from BBC News discusses arrests at asylum hotel protests in England but is not directly related to the Manchester event and is therefore not included in the primary source list for this specific report.
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