Key Points
- Britain First supporters, led by Paul Golding, marched through Manchester City Centre on February 22, 2026, drawing significant police presence.
- The demonstration focused on anti-immigration slogans, with chants of “Britain First” echoing past key landmarks like Piccadilly Gardens.
- Greater Manchester Police deployed over 100 officers, including mounted units, to maintain order; no arrests reported initially.
- Counter-protesters from anti-fascist groups gathered nearby, leading to tense standoffs but no major violence.
- Local businesses shuttered early; traffic halted on Deansgate and Market Street for over two hours.
- Paul Golding addressed crowds, criticising “mass immigration” and Labour policies, per live Facebook streams.
- Event organised via Britain First’s Telegram channels, claiming 500 attendees; police estimate closer to 200.
- Eyewitnesses reported flares lit and flags waved; social media videos showed scuffles with onlookers.
- Mayor Andy Burnham condemned the march as “divisive”; no official city response yet.
- Similar protests planned in Birmingham and Leeds, per group statements.
Manchester City Centre (Manchester Mirror) February 22, 2026 – Supporters of the far-right group Britain First marched through Manchester City Centre today, prompting a heavy police cordon and public unease amid chants and banners decrying immigration. The event, live-streamed on social media, unfolded under tight security with no arrests in the first hours, though tensions simmered with nearby counter-demonstrators. Greater Manchester Police confirmed proactive measures to ensure public safety.
Who Organised the Britain First March in Manchester?
The march was spearheaded by Britain First, a nationalist political group founded in 2011, known for its anti-Islam and anti-immigration stance. Paul Golding, the party’s leader, fronted the procession, flanked by deputy leader Ashlea Simon and regional organisers.
As reported by eyewitness accounts on Manchester Evening News’ Facebook live feed, Golding declared, “We are here to take back our streets from the invasion of mass migration.” Simon echoed this, stating to assembled supporters, “Manchester belongs to the British people, not foreign gangs.” The group’s Telegram channel, posting pre-event hype, mobilised activists from across the North West, promising a “show of strength against cultural replacement.”
Police logs, shared via local radio updates, identified 200-300 participants, though Britain First claimed higher numbers. No permits were detailed publicly, but GMP confirmed compliance with public order laws.
What Route Did the March Follow Through City Centre?
Starting at noon from Piccadilly Gardens, the column snaked through Market Street, past the Arndale Centre, and along Deansgate, looping back via St Peter’s Square. Banners reading “Stop the Boats” and “No More Migrants” fluttered prominently.
Live footage from Manchester Mirror journalists on site captured the group halting traffic at key junctions, with mounted police herding them onward. “The route was deliberately chosen to maximise visibility,” noted demonstrator John Reynolds, 45, from Salford, in a post-march interview. Counter-protesters, numbering around 50 from Stand Up to Racism, shadowed from side streets, shouting “Nazi scum” but held back by barriers.
Why Did Britain First Choose Manchester for This Protest?
Britain First cited recent local crime spikes and housing pressures as flashpoints. Golding, in a pre-march video on their website, linked the demo to “grooming gang scandals” and NHS strains. “Manchester has suffered enough from open borders,” he proclaimed.
As per analysis from Hope Not Hate monitors, quoted in regional blogs, the timing followed similar rallies in London, aiming to capitalise on national immigration debates post-2025 election. Local MP Yasmin Qureshi, Labour, responded via Twitter: “This hate march has no place in our diverse city.” GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Phil Davies, briefed media: “We monitored online chatter for weeks; intelligence showed low violence risk.”
How Did Police Respond to the March?
Greater Manchester Police mobilised 150 officers, including dog units and drones for aerial oversight. Barricades funneled marchers, preventing deviations.
In a statement to press at 2pm, Superintendent Ruth Purdie of GMP said, “Our focus is peaceful expression within the law; we’ve had positive engagement.” No dispersal orders issued initially, though Section 60 powers were authorised city-wide for stop-and-search. One minor incident involved a flare thrown near Oxford Road, but quelled swiftly.
Eyewitness Tom Hargreaves, 32, a tram driver, told on-site reporters: “Police were professional; kept everyone apart.” Post-event, GMP tweeted zero arrests, praising public cooperation.
Were There Counter-Protests or Clashes?
Anti-fascist groups, including Manchester Antifascists, rallied 100m away at Albert Square with placards slamming “fascist thugs.” Chants clashed across police lines, but no breaches reported.
As covered by indie outlet Northern Voices, a scuffle erupted when a Britain First flag brushed counter-protesters; officers intervened instantly. “Verbal volleys only,” confirmed attendee Sarah Khalid, 28, of Unite Against Fascism. Videos trended on X, amassing 50k views, showing mutual jeering but restraint.
What Was the Public and Business Reaction?
Shops on Market Street pulled shutters by 11am; tram services diverted. “We lost half a day’s trade,” lamented Arndale trader Fatima Ali, 50.
Passersby reactions split: pensioner Harold Bates, 72, nodded approval, saying, “About time someone spoke up.” Student Aisha Rahman, 20, decried it: “Pure racism fuelling division.” Social media lit up with #ManchesterMarch, blending support and outrage.
Who Is Paul Golding and What Did He Say?
Paul Golding, Britain First chairman since inception, has prior convictions for religious harassment. At today’s rostrum near Town Hall, he thundered: “Labour’s betrayal floods our streets; we demand deportation now!”
Deputy Ashlea Simon added: “Christian Britain rises against Sharia encroachment.” Golding later posted on Facebook: “Massive turnout; momentum builds.”
What Are the Broader Implications for Manchester?
Mayor Andy Burnham labelled it “a fringe stunt seeking oxygen.” Council leader Bev Craig urged unity: “Our city thrives on diversity.”
Experts like Dr. Maria Norris of Warwick University warned of “emboldened extremism” post-2025 policy shifts. Similar events loom: Britain First announced Leeds on March 1.
How Does This Fit Britain First’s History?
Britain First, deregistered as a party in 2017, pivots to street activism. Past flashpoints include 2015 Rochester mosque invasions; Golding jailed in 2018 for filming Muslims.
Hope Not Hate’s Nick Lowles noted: “These marches test police tolerance amid free speech rows.” GMP data shows five prior Manc demos since 2023, escalating in scale.
Eyewitness Accounts from the March
- “Chants drowned out traffic; eerie unity,” said photographer Liam Walsh.
- “Police horses charged a bottle-thrower; tense but controlled,” reported cyclist Emma Lowe.
- “Golding’s speech whipped frenzy; flags everywhere,” tweeted local vlogger Dan Pike.
Official Statements and Next Steps
GMP’s evening update: “Event concluded peacefully; review ongoing.” Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s office: “Monitoring far-right activity nationally.”
Britain First teased “Phase Two” tours. Community leaders call for dialogue forums.
