“Groups were able to gather in a safe manner with no trouble of note”
16:34, 02 Aug 2025Updated 17:26, 02 Aug 2025
Britain First protestors in Manchester city centre today(Image: Getty Images)
Arrests have been made as a march and rally organised by Britain First and counter protests in Manchester city centre went ahead today.
Crowds met outside Piccadilly railway station before a march into the city centre. There was a huge police presence to keep order. Counter protests were led by Stand Up To Racism.
Greater Manchester Police said officers ensured protestors were able to safely exercise their right to peaceful process, while minimising disruption for the wider public and the transport network in one of the city’s busiest locations.
Today’s march by Britain First in Manchester city centre (Image: Getty Images)
Earlier in the day, two arrests were promptly made during a confrontation at the start of the march to the city centre.
Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, Gold commander for today’s police operation said: “Today was expected to be a really busy day in Manchester with plenty of planned protest action from different groups in the middle of the city. We’ve had extra resources in place to ensure people could peacefully protest and to minimise disruption for the wider public.
“Thanks to the work of our officers on the ground, and the plans we put in place alongside our partners, hundreds of people from different groups were able to gather in a safe manner with no trouble of note.
“Greater Manchester is a place where people should feel free to exercise their right to lawfully protest, while ensuring that those who live, work, or visit here can feel safe to go about their business and enjoy their day.”