![\"Liverpool](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0_Mass-for-Pope-Francis-at-Liverpool-Metropolitan-Cathedralafter-his-death-on-Easter-MondayPic-Andr..jpeg\")
<\/p>\nOfficers have additional powers to search people who are suspected of involvement in criminality and disorder in the city centre<\/p>\n
10:54, 21 Mar 2026Updated 11:02, 21 Mar 2026<\/p>\n
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Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)<\/p>\n
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<\/a>, giving officers additional powers to search people suspected of involvement in criminality or disorder.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The “Walk with Jesus” march organised by the party was shared on its social media pages on February 23. The post read: \u201cWalk 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.\u201d The message added the meeting point<\/a> would be on the steps of the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral<\/a> at 12pm, with the march leaving at 1pm.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n Earlier this month, the Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral, Canon Anthony O’Brien, said the cathedral had not given permission<\/a> for the march to take place on its piazza. He added that the Catholic Church \u201crespects the dignity of every person irrespective of their country of origin\u201d.<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n