Police engage in brutal violence against peaceful protesters - statement from Resist Britain First

On Saturday 18 April, Resist Britain First mobilised hundreds from across Manchester to oppose Britain First’s hate march through the city centre.

However, Greater Manchester Police gave the impression that its role was to facilitate the fascists. And, in attempting to clear the streets for the benefit of the far right, officers resorted to violent, dangerous tactics:

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Statement from Resist Britain First

Outnumbering Britain First’s march massively, we demonstrated that when the state facilitates divisive hate marches, it is the community which steps in to defend our city.

Paul Golding and Ashlea Simon, Britain First’s co-leaders, called the protest a ‘march for remigration’, a racist dog whistle which calls for the forced deportation of all people of colour in the UK. Their march was pitiful, with some estimates going as low as 200, and Britain First were blatantly outnumbered by the police protecting them.

The Greater Manchester Police (GMP), with additional tactical support and officers from forces across the UK, coordinated the march’s protection and showed a deep commitment to ensuring that Britain First had the freedom to move through our city to their rally point at St Peter’s Square.

This was facilitated by GMP’s horrific violence against anti-racist and anti-fascist demonstrators. Despite Britain First’s multiple recorded instances of racist attacks in Manchester at their previous march in February, the violence undertaken by the GMP was entirely aimed at those opposing the group’s racist rhetoric.

GMP deployed PAVA spray aimed at as many as 50 protesters without warning, as well as engaging in abhorrent violent attacks in which they repeatedly punched, kicked, and choked non-violent protestors.

The police, at the discretion and under the instruction of the Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig, shut down the city with the sole purpose of facilitating a clear route for Britain First and preventing any community resistance to their harmful presence and hateful rhetoric.

Despite this, the groups behind the Resist Britain First coalition stood strong in the face of this unprecedented escalation in GMP’s tactics and showed out in double the numbers of Britain First.
A spokesperson for Resist Britain First said:

‘Yesterday’s protest showed that whenever racists attempt to march in the city of Manchester communities will always rise up to oppose them.

‘The horrific violence of the GMP however to facilitate Britain First’s march should not go unopposed and must urgently be investigated. Between their use of PAVA spray, officers’ gleeful attacks on protestors, and the use of horses, this sends a clear message that the GMP will engage in horrific acts of violence in order to protect the rights of fascist to march on our streets.

‘The GMP were acting on the explicit instruction of Andy Burnham and Bev Craig on the day, both of whom should hang their heads in shame at the abhorrent acts of violence against protestors which they facilitated.’

Ian, 29, said of his experience at the protest:

‘I was utterly shocked by the violence from the police at the demonstration yesterday. From the very beginning police were punching people in the face, ripping off masks without serving any lawful order to do so, and threatening even worse violence.

‘Over the course of the day the GMP choked, punched, and kicked me despite peacefully protesting the entire day. This culminated in an officer slamming his heel into my knee when I was unable to follow their orders to move back, causing me to collapse to the ground.

‘As medics checked on me the GMP continued to push forward, even when multiple shouted out that I was unable to walk. In the end, with officers refusing to listen and were moments away from trampling me, brave medics and community members lifted me off the ground and carried me away.

‘I was so moved by the solidarity and bravery shown by numerous members of the community yesterday but was equally horrified by the actions of the police to protect Britain First. The lawful right to protest should go both ways – and I truly do not wish on anyone the experience of being beaten, choked, and almost trampled by police simply for wanting to demonstrate against racism.’

Resist Britain First will continue to oppose any racists who think they can march through Manchester, and will work to oppose fascism in every form as it continues to grow in the United Kingdom.