Home Affairs Correspondent
Hundreds of far-right activists from Britain First marched through Manchester city centre on Saturday February 21, calling for the deportation of migrants and Muslims from the UK. The demonstration was met by a larger counterprotest organised by antifascist and antiracist groups.
The Britain First march, led by Paul Golding, was flanked by police. Protesters carried Union Jacks and chanted anti-immigration slogans, including derisive comments about Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Some demonstrators appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
The counterprotest formed several streets away, with participants carrying antiracist banners and flags, including the Palestinian flag. Ruby, 20, a student from South London, travelled five hours to join the demonstration. “It was a no-brainer,” she said, citing concerns about rising racism.
Other participants highlighted similar concerns. Llowelyn, 16, from Wales, said her father, who is British Guyanese, has received increased verbal abuse in recent years. John, a counter-protester from Wales, confronted the far-right demonstrators directly. “These guys try to intimidate minorities because they think they are a master race,” he said.
The two groups clashed in the city centre, with Britain First members reportedly prodding counterprotesters with flagpoles.
Riot police intervened when three counterprotesters staged a sit-down, pulling them to safety.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed 11 arrests during the demonstrations, including on suspicion of public order offences and assaulting emergency workers.
A dispersal order was in place throughout the afternoon to give officers powers to direct individuals causing trouble to leave the area. Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson said extra officers were deployed to support “people’s right to protest peacefully” while keeping the city centre safe.
Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig condemned the Britain First march and emphasised Manchester’s values of unity and tolerance. She said, “Whatever challenges we face, Manchester stands together. Our unity is stronger than hate and the values that unite us will always hold firm. We are a welcoming and friendly city, with a proud history of tolerance, fairness and respect. But the hate and division that Britain First foster has no place here. We have no time for racism or hatred.”
She added that while the right to freedom of expression is protected by law, Britain First must engage fully with local police to ensure public safety.
“Manchester does not welcome Britain First to our city because they seek to divide our communities and spread hatred. GMP have given assurances that they will be policing this protest seriously, robustly and with public safety as their top priority. We want to ensure the demonstration is carefully managed to limit disruption and to keep Manchester open, safe and peaceful for everyone.”
Cllr Craig also encouraged residents to visibly demonstrate unity against hate: “At a time when groups promoting division seek attention, our strength comes from standing united – celebrating our diversity and supporting one another. Let’s come together and send a clear message that hate has no place in our city.
We are making a poster available for residents, communities and local organisations to download and display should they wish. By sharing it in windows, workplaces and community spaces, we can visibly show that Manchester stands together as one city against hate.”
Groups opposing the march also spoke out. Stand Up To Racism said that “hundreds” of people turned out “against fascist Britain First in Manchester today” and that “Manchester is antifascist,” highlighting a sizeable counter-protest in the city.
In a post-event update, the organisation said, “Over 1,500 took to the streets and showed that there is no place for fascist Britain First in our city.”
Some counterprotesters criticised the police for allowing the march to proceed. Pia Feig, of Jewish Action for Palestine, described Britain First as “fascists… permitted to market their divisive, racist, dictatorial positions on our streets.” Audrey, a teacher, said police consistently “protected” far-right groups.
Feature photo: Far-right Britain First activists clash with antifascist counterprotesters in Manchester city centre on February 21, as police intervene during tense scenes between rival demonstrators.(Credit: Loannis Alexopoulos/AA)
