Police chiefs in Manchester have drafted in extra officers today ahead of a Britain First march in the city centre, which is expected to draw major counter-protests.
Around 1,000 supporters of the far-right, anti-immigration party are expected, along with a similar number of counter protesters, according to the Press Association.
Extra officers are on hand and extra police powers are in place for the city centre, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.
GMP said organisers of the march, advertised by them as a St George’s Day parade, have agreed a route with police, starting at 1.15pm and travelling across central Manchester.
In a joint statement, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, his deputy Kate Green and city council leader Bev Craig said: “There is no place in Greater Manchester for anyone coming here to sow division and incite fear, hatred, or violence.”
They said officers will ensure demonstrations can go ahead in a lawful manner, but added: “If any peaceful protest crosses a line into unlawfulness, they will act swiftly and without fear or favour to keep people safe.”
What happened at the last Britain First march?
Saturday’s demonstration by Britain First and their supporters is not the first march by the organisation in Manchester this year.
The far-right group organised a march in February this year, with supporters gathered outside Piccadilly Station, while counter-demonstrations were held in the city centre.
Manchester police arrested 11 men, although two were later de-arrested. They were arrested on suspicion of prevention of a breach of the peace, suspicion of assaulting emergency workers, on suspicion of assault and on suspicion of public order offences.
At the 21 February event, Manchester police used a dispersal order to remove people from a specific area.
Holly Bancroft18 April 2026 10:22
In full: Hundreds of police officers on duty for far-right protest
Hundreds of police officers will be on duty across Manchester city centre this Saturday as a far-right Britain First march is anticipated to draw significant counter-protests.
Police chiefs have confirmed a substantial presence to manage the event, which is expected to involve around 1,000 supporters of the anti-immigration party and a similar number of counter-demonstrators.
While facilitating the right to protest, authorities emphasised their priority is to keep Manchester “open for business”, aiming to minimise disruption for the 120,000 visitors typically seen on a Saturday.
Enhanced police powers are in effect for the city centre. These include the authority to issue dispersal orders, allowing arrests for non-compliance, and expanded stop and search capabilities, which permit officers to request the removal of face coverings.
Read the full story here:
Holly Bancroft18 April 2026 10:15
What have Manchester Police said about today’s march?
Police have warned locals that they should except a larger police presence in Manchester city centre on Saturday. They have assured visitors and businesses that significant resources are in place to make sure people can continue their day with as minimal impact as possible.
Rick Jackson, Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: “The public should expect to see a large police presence in the city centre on Saturday as part of our policing operation focused on keeping people safe and minimising the wider impact during the planned protest and counterprotests.
“Disruption should be expected but we are working with partners in the city centre to mitigate this.
“We’ll have significant resources in place to facilitate protest and to ensure our local communities, businesses and visitors to Manchester can go about their day safely and with as minimal impact as possible.
“Our officers will police without fear or favour, ensuring those exercising their right to protest can do so safely, while intervening when behaviour crosses the line into criminality.”
Holly Bancroft18 April 2026 10:10
