Police warn of disruption in major UK city as far-right protest begins

Officers have been given extra powers

Britain First supporters are due to meet at noon outside Picadilly station, before a “march for remigration and mass deportations”.

In response, a number of counter-protests are also being held by anti-racism groups.

Resist Britain first, which is a coalition of Greater Manchester campaign groups, and Stand Up To Racism Manchester were also expected to take place from 11.15am in the city centre.

Jeremy Corbyn, former Labour leader, is due to address the SUTR rally in Piccadilly Gardens from 11.30am.

A 10-hour dispersal order on the city centre has been issued by the police, which means officers have extra powers to remove people from the area during the demonstrations.

It aims to “prevent anti-social behaviour, crime, harassment, alarm, or distress”, GPM said.

Manchester council leader Bev Craig, on Thursday said that Britain First were not welcome in Manchester and urged people to come together to “send a clear message that hate has no place in our city”.

The protest comes during an ongoing travel disruption across Manchester due to a “major overhaul” project at Manchester Piccadilly station, as the station is effectively closed until Sunday.

The march also comes at a politically charged time in Greater Manchester, just days before voters head to the polls in a closely watched by-election in Gorton and Denton.

In the by-election, immigration has become one of the most contested issues.