Hundreds
descend on Manchester for Britain First march and counter protests
Saturday
21 February 2026 at 1:34pm
Hundreds
of protesters have descended on Manchester city centre as opposing groups hold
separate marches.
Greater
Manchester Police (GMP) have issued a 10-hour dispersal order as protestors
begin their demonstrations from key landmarks in the city.
Supporters
of the political party Britain First gathered outside Piccadilly station on
Saturday, 21 February, in what the far-right political group say is a
"march for remigration and mass deportations."
In
response, a large-scale counter-protest led by groups including Stand Up To
Racism Manchester and the Resist Britain First coalition began their own rally.
Former
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is among the speakers expected to address crowds at
the counter-demonstration in Piccadilly Gardens
Organisers
of the counter-protest say they are there to "stand together" against
what they describe as a "hateful and racist ideology."
Supporters
of Britain First insist it is not racist group, with "membership
encouraged no matter what racial or ethnic origins an individual
possesses".
Describing
itself as a "movement of patriotism, nationalism, conservatism and
traditionalism", the group is calling for the deportation of "all
illegal immigrants".
Ahead of
the protest, Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig said the city "does
not welcome" the far-right group.
She said:
"Manchester is a welcoming and friendly city, with a proud history of
tolerance, fairness and respect. The hate and division that Britain First
foster has no place here."
GMP has
deployed a significant number of officers to keep the groups apart and minimise
disruption to shoppers and local businesses.
A
dispersal order is currently in place, giving officers enhanced powers to
remove anyone from the city centre to prevent "anti-social behaviour,
crime, harassment, alarm, or distress."
Chief
Superintendent Danny O’Neil, who is the silver commander for the operation,
said: “As police officers, we respect and facilitate the right to lawful
protest.
“For the
weekend and whenever we have large crowds, appropriate plans, including extra
officers, are put in place.
“We also
work with organisers and local partners to minimise disruption for those who
live, work, and visit our city centre."
The
protests falls on what is already set to be a busy day, with Manchester City
playing Newcastle at home at the Etihad Stadium at 8pm.
Members
of the public are being advised to avoid the areas around Piccadilly Gardens
and the train station if possible.
Limited
train services are running, to and from Piccadilly, due to engineering works
and police have warned that temporary road closures may be implemented as the
marches move through the city.
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