A bold note to start: this is a story about a heated clash of voices in Manchester, where a far-right march drew hundreds and sparked strong counter-protests. And this is the part most people miss: the images you’re about to see capture not just a demonstration, but a moment of intense public debate about migration, nationalism, and the limits of dissent in a modern city.
A large turnout gathered across Manchester city centre today for a march linked to the far-right group Britain First. Supporters assembled outside Piccadilly Station at midday for what they described as a “march for remigration and mass deportations,” and the procession began shortly after 1pm.
Photographs from the scene show participants waving sizable England flags. There were reports of confrontations between march participants and police beforehand, with at least three arrests reported so far. Clashes broke out in Piccadilly Gardens during the rally as demonstrations unfolded.
Authorities imposed a ten-hour dispersal order in the city centre, granting officers additional powers to move people away from the area while the protests continued. Greater Manchester Police explained the measure aimed to prevent anti-social behaviour, crime, harassment, or distress.
In addition to the Britain First gathering, several counter-protests were organized by groups such as Resist Britain First—a coalition of Greater Manchester campaign groups—and Stand Up To Racism Manchester. Attendees at these counter-demonstrations carried signs that read messages like “Refugees welcome” and “Stop the far right.”
Below are a series of photographs captured by our photographers during the events in Manchester.
