Britain First march – live: Manchester police brace for clashes during far-right St George’s Day rally

Saturday’s demonstration by Britain First and its supporters is not the first the organization has marched in Manchester this year.

The far-right group held a march with supporters outside Piccadilly Station in February this year, while counter-demonstrations were also held in the city centre.

Manchester police arrested 11 people, but two were later remanded in custody. They were arrested on suspicion of disturbing the peace, suspicion of assault on emergency workers, suspicion of assault and breach of public order.

Hundreds of police officers will be on duty in Manchester city center this Saturday as the far-right Britain First march is expected to spark significant counter-protests.

Police chiefs confirmed there was a significant presence to man the event, which was expected to be attended by around 1,000 supporters of the anti-immigration party and a similar number of counter-demonstrators.

Authorities facilitating the right to protest have stressed their priority is to keep Manchester “open for business”, aiming to minimize disruption to the 120,000 visitors normally seen on Saturdays.

Police powers in the city center have been increased. These include the power to issue dispersal orders, authorizing arrests for noncompliance, and expanded stop and search capabilities that allow officers to request the removal of face masks.

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Police have warned locals that there will be a greater police presence in Manchester city center on Saturday. They reassured visitors and businesses that significant resources are available to ensure people can go about their days with as little impact as possible.

Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: “The public should expect to see a large police presence in the city center on Saturday as part of our policing operation focused on keeping people safe and minimizing wider impact during planned protests and counter-protests.

“Disruption is to be expected but we are working with our city center partners to reduce this.

“We will have significant resources to facilitate the protest and ensure our local communities, businesses and visitors to Manchester can go about their day safely and with as little impact as possible.

“Our officers will police without fear or favor, ensuring those exercising their right to protest can do so safely, and will intervene when behavior borders on criminality.”