Protesters Clash at Britain First March in Manchester, Sparking Violent Fights
Violence erupted in Manchester city centre during a march organized by the far-right group Britain First. The incident occurred around 14:06 on February 21, 2026, with clashes reported in Piccadilly Gardens and Bloom Street.
Key Events from the Britain First March
As Britain First protesters gathered in Piccadilly Gardens to promote their agenda of “remigration and mass deportations,” tensions escalated. Fights broke out among demonstrators, and police were seen intervening to restore order. Video footage showed altercations unfolding between various groups.
Counter-Protests and Public Response
In response to the Britain First march, several counter-protests emerged, featuring groups like Resist Britain First and Stand Up To Racism Manchester. Notably, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed counter-protesters earlier that day, adding a significant political dimension to the events.
Police Presence and Actions
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) implemented a 10-hour dispersal order for the city centre. This measure granted officers enhanced authority to remove individuals from the area to curtail anti-social behavior and uphold public safety. The police aimed to alleviate potential distress among the public during the demonstrations.
- Arrests: Three individuals were detained during the protests.
- Charges included:
- Breach of dispersal order
- Assault on an emergency worker
- Breach of the peace
As events unfolded, observers captured footage of the struggles between protesters and the police. The situation continued to develop, emphasizing the volatile nature of the demonstrations and the varying public responses.
