Far-right anti-Islam march sparks counterprotests in Manchester

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Hundreds of far-right protesters gathered in Manchester city centre on Saturday for an anti-Islam march organised by Britain First, a political group known for its hardline stance on immigration. The demonstration drew a larger counterprotest, which led to tense confrontations between the two sides.

Chants of “send them back” echoed through an underpass as the march began. Protesters waved Union Jack flags and voiced anti-immigration slogans, while also making critical remarks about British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Some participants appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

According to Aljazeera, in response, a larger group of antifascist demonstrators assembled nearby. They carried antiracist placards and waved different flags, including the Palestinian flag. Many said they turned out to oppose what they described as hate-driven rhetoric.

Ruby, a 20-year-old student from South London, travelled for five hours to attend the counterprotest. She described her decision as a “no-brainer” and asked that her surname be withheld due to fear of repercussions. She explained that her grandparents, who came from Montserrat as part of the Windrush generation, now feel increasingly unwelcome in the UK. According to her, they believe racism is returning to levels seen in the 1950s.

Another protester, Llowelyn, 16, from Wales, shared similar concerns. She said her father, who is of British Guyanese descent, has faced more racial abuse in recent years than before.

Tension grew before the marches began. Some far-right activists livestreamed their activities as they entered areas occupied by counterprotesters. A counterprotester identified as John confronted them while police officers monitored the situation. He told Al Jazeera, “They come here to cause a ruckus and make money of it online, but I come here to protect the left. These guys [far-right agitators] try and intimidate … minorities because they think they are a master race”.

The situation escalated when the Britain First march, led by Paul Golding, moved through the city under police escort. Verbal abuse followed as marchers encountered counterprotesters. One protester shouted, “Leftie scum,” at three individuals who staged a sit-down protest. Riot police intervened and moved them away for safety.

Clashes intensified when both groups came into close contact. Protesters from the far-right group used flag poles to push counterprotesters, while some individuals broke through police lines. Officers struggled to maintain control as insults and opposing chants filled the air.

Pia Feig, a member of Jewish Action for Palestine, criticised the decision to allow the march. She said, “We, as Jews and internationalists, are having to confront Britain First, the fascists who are organising on the streets, who have been permitted to market their divisive, racist, dictatorial positions on our streets,”

Another counterprotester, Audrey, who works as a teacher, accused the police of favouring the far-right. She said officers always “protected” such groups after she was pushed during the confrontation.

A police officer, who spoke anonymously, explained that managing the situation was challenging. He noted that both groups frequently changed their routes. He added that officers also had to handle a separate rally in support of Ukraine and provide security at major football matches taking place over the weekend.