By The Pak Global Pakistan
Manchester, United Kingdom – Tensions erupted in Manchester on Saturday as hundreds of far-right protesters marched through the city, chanting anti-Islam and anti-immigration slogans. Organised by the far-right political party Britain First, the demonstration drew a small but vocal group of supporters waving Union Jacks and making derisive comments about Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Some participants appeared intoxicated, heightening concerns over potential clashes.
In response, a much larger counterprotest formed nearby, bringing together antifascist demonstrators carrying antiracist banners and flags, including the Palestinian flag. Among them was Ruby, 20, a student from South London, who traveled five hours to support the counterprotest. She highlighted the experiences of her grandparents, Windrush generation immigrants from Montserrat, who she says feel increasingly unwelcome in the UK.
The atmosphere grew tense as the two groups approached one another. Far-right agitators livestreamed the unfolding events while counter-protesters, including John from Wales, attempted to confront them peacefully. “They come here to cause a ruckus and make money online, but I come here to protect the left,” he said.
The march, led by Paul Golding, quickly turned confrontational as members of Britain First prodded counter-protesters with flagpoles and shouted anti-immigration and anti-Palestine slogans. Riot police were forced to intervene to protect bystanders and separate the groups.
Pia Feig of Jewish Action for Palestine criticised authorities for allowing Britain First to march, saying the police permitted the far-right to “market their divisive, racist, dictatorial positions on our streets.” Audrey, a teacher attending the counterprotest, echoed concerns that police frequently prioritized far-right demonstrators over those protesting against them.
A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the complexity of the operation, citing multiple overlapping events, including a rally in support of Ukraine and local football matches, which stretched the force thin.
Saturday’s events underline the growing polarization in the UK over immigration and far-right activity, raising questions about public safety and law enforcement responses to politically charged street demonstrations.