A 10-hour dispersal order is in place during the Britain First march in Manchester
15:39, 21 Feb 2026Updated 15:40, 21 Feb 2026
Britain First protesters in Manchester city centre(Image: Joel Goodman)
Six people have been arrested during the Britain First rally in Manchester City centre, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson has confirmed.
Supporters of Britain First, a far-right organisation that is calling for ‘remigration and mass deportations’, have been marching through the city this afternoon. Demonstrators gathered on Store Street near Piccadilly station since 12pm before beginning the march at around 1.20pm.
Counter-demonstrations are also being held in the city centre this afternoon, with supporters from a number of organisations including Stand Up To Racism gathered in Piccadilly Gardens. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn spoke at this rally earlier.
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The GMP spokesperson confirmed at 3.10pm that six arrests have been made so far in the city centre amid the protests. The arrests were for: public order, breach of peace, assault on an emergency worker and breach of dispersal notice.
A large police presence remains in place across the city centre, with mounted officers pictured lined up at the start of the Britain First rally. The 10-hour dispersal order issued by police across the city centre gives officers extra powers to remove people from the area, while the demonstrations take place.
Britain First protesters in Manchester city centre(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson said: “We understand there will be significant disruptions across the city centre, and whilst we continue to facilitate the right to peaceful protest, our priority remains the safety of the public.
“To ensure this, we have deployed a significant number of resources, including our mounted and dog units as well as over 50 additional officers to support.
A demonstrator and police amid protests in the city centre(Image: MEN)
“We will continue working with local communities, businesses and partner organisations to ensure these protests remain safe and respectful for those involved.”