Tram services across Manchester city centre have been stopped as a Britain First protest march gets underway, with counter-protesters also gathering at Piccadilly Gardens
Tram services throughout Manchester city centre have been brought to a halt this afternoon as a Britain First march is underway.
Supporters of the far-right group assembled on Store Street beneath Manchester’s Piccadilly station at noon, with the march to St Peter’s Square departing just before 1.10pm.
A counter-protest organised by a coalition of anti-racism groups, calling itself Resist Britain First, also gathered at Piccadilly Gardens. City visitors were warned to expect considerable disruption to both roads and Metrolink services, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The Bee Network subsequently confirmed that stops at Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street and St Peter’s Square had all been shut. Posting on X, it said: “Due to a planned protest in the city centre, there will be no cross-city tram services until further notice. Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street and St Peter’s Square stops are closed. Tram service changes are in place please view them here: https://t.co/TJSZKcZoLX pic.twitter.com/Ni7yf6VyjZ”
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The Metrolink suspension is understood to have been implemented after counter-protesters were blocking the city centre tram tracks. They have since been moved on by police.
GMP confirmed that officers are working to “minimise disruption and maintain safety around the Piccadilly Gardens area.”
Police have been granted additional powers to tackle troublemakers during the protests. A Section 34 dispersal order has been implemented for the city centre on Saturday, while a Section 60 order grants officers additional stop and search powers and permits the removal of face coverings.
Police say that a “majority” from both sides are causing no issues. GMP said: “Officers are working to facilitate the protesters and counter-protesters’ right to protest safely. The vast majority of both sides are causing no issues as the march continues to move towards St. Peter’s Square as planned.”
Hundreds of officers are on hand for the protests. The police presence was stepped up significantly after violence flared at a previous Britain First ‘march for remigration’ in February.
Then 11 arrests were made amid clashes and ugly scenes with counter protesters. Following the march, which passed through the Gay Village on its way to Castlefield Bowl, footage emerged of several fights, confrontations and scuffles.
