Protests are taking place in Manchester city centre with ‘Enough is Enough’ protests are planned across the UK this weekend, with several counter-protests by groups such as Unite Against Fascism and Stand Up to Racism also set to take place.
It follows a night of rioting in Sunderland last night where a shop front was burnt out and cars were set alight.
A dispersal notice has been authorised across Manchester city centre in order to assist police in dealing with protests, Greater Manchester Police have said. The section 34 notice will mean officers have powers to seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour until 7pm on Saturday.
A demonstration entitled “Stand Up For Your Country: Enough is Enough” is underway in the city centre today (Saturday). A counter protest – “Stop The Far Right” is also being held.
A protest was held in the city centre
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The two protests in Manchester city centre
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The counter protest in Manchester city centre
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The Trans Pride Manchester march is also being held in the city centre as well as a regular Ukrainian solidarity event and an event organised by Manchester Palestine Action regarding the Gaza conflict.
Chief Inspector of Greater Manchester Police Natasha Evans said: “These powers have been authorised to make sure we can continue to provide and facilitate the right to any peaceful protests that have been organised
“Our officers will be able to instruct and advise anyone who is causing or very likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to leave an area immediately.
“People have a legal right to participate in peaceful protest, however where people are intent on breaking the law, we will take action.”
Far-right activists take part in a protest at Manchester City Centre
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Meanwhile hundreds of people have gathered at the front of Belfast City Hall for an anti-racism rally. The event has been organised in response to social media calls for anti-Islamic protests to be staged in Northern Ireland.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) previously said it was aware of social media posts calling for protests including “specific calls to block roads using women and children.”
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said anti-Islamic protests would be “policed effectively” if they do materialise.
A number of Christian church leaders in Northern Ireland also released statements condemning calls for protests.
Source Agencies
