Officers have additional powers to search people who are suspected of involvement in criminality and disorder in the city centre
10:54, 21 Mar 2026Updated 11:02, 21 Mar 2026
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Police have been given extra powers in Liverpool city centre. Merseyside Police said it has received notification that UKIP are to undertake a procession centre today (Saturday, March 21). The force has introduced a Section 60 order in Liverpool city centre, giving officers additional powers to search people suspected of involvement in criminality or disorder.
The far right political party UKIP will hold a procession in the city centre today, and a large police presence will be in place to ensure safety.
The “Walk with Jesus” march organised by the party was shared on its social media pages on February 23. The post read: “Walk with Jesus in Liverpool! Join our procession in Liverpool worshipping Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 21. The dedication is to the passion of the Lord.” The message added the meeting point would be on the steps of the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral at 12pm, with the march leaving at 1pm.
Following the posts, Liverpool City Council leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, published an open letter to the people of Liverpool, reiterating the city’s commitment to standing against racism: “This is Liverpool. A city of hope, not hate.”
Earlier this month, the Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral, Canon Anthony O’Brien, said the cathedral had not given permission for the march to take place on its piazza. He added that the Catholic Church “respects the dignity of every person irrespective of their country of origin”.
The Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral has now added his name to an open letter from other church leaders, under the umbrella of Churches Together in the Merseyside Region. The church leaders “strongly oppose” the use of the piazza for the rally
The Section 60 Order began at 8am today and runs until 9pm. It gives officers additional powers to search people who are suspected of involvement in criminality and disorder.
It also includes a Section 60AA authorisation, meaning failure to remove a face covering when asked by an officer could result in arrest. Any face covering can also be seized by a police officer.
The area covered by the order is bordered by Princess Parade, William Jessop Way, Waterloo Road, Paisley Street, Great Howard Street, Leeds Street, Byrom Street, Hunter Street, Islington, Brunswick Road, Low Hill, Hall Lane, Towerlands Street, Irvine Street, Mount Vernon Road, Grove Street, Oxford Street East, Smithdown Lane, Crown Street, Upper Parliament Street, Parliament Street and Queens Dock.
Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton said: “This order is not designed to disrupt people going about their lawful business in the city centre. It will instead be used to help keep everyone safe and ensure that law-abiding citizens can carry on with as little disruption as possible
“We want people who live, visit or work in our city centre to be able to do so free from crime and anti-social behaviour. I ask that people continue reporting any concerns and we will take action.
“I hope that the increased presence of our officers in the city centre is reassuring, and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to those officers.
“If you witness any criminal behaviour, or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers and we will take action.”
Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via Merseyside Police’s social media desk @MerPolCC on X or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.