GMP explain why they didn’t break up the large protest in Manchester this weekend

A large protest took place in Manchester city centre over the weekend, with hundreds gathering to take a stand on a number of causes.

Protestors headed to St Peter’s Square on Saturday, March 20th, to voice their opposition to the new proposed crime legislation which would see police given additional powers when it comes to protests.

The proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill would give police the power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including any which officers think are too noisy or a nuisance, with people convicted under this legislation potentially facing a fine or jail.

According to reports, people also showed up to protest violence against women, to show their support for Black Lives Matter and there were even some anti-lockdown protestors.

Now a senior police officer has explained why officers didn’t disperse the protest, which also saw some crowds congregating in Piccadilly Gardens.

While under the current restrictions implemented from January 4th protests are illegal – which wasn’t the case under former restrictions – police units surrounded the gathering but didn’t break it up.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey has said that GMP adopted a ‘low key approach’ including encouraging protestors to socially distance and disperse, adding that officers have been gathering evidence against protest organisers and planned to focus their investigations on these people.

ACC Bailey said: “We were aware of several protests which took place yesterday across the City Centre and our position in regard to all protests during this lockdown remains that they do not meet what is an acceptable reason to gather during the lockdown.

“Public safety is a top priority for GMP, and in the lead up to these protests, police actively engaged with the organisers to explain government guidance and discuss alternate options in order to dissuade a public gathering from taking place.

“However when large groups choose to ignore that, we will always look to see whether it is safe to take action which would physically prevent the protest and disperse the crowd.

“A careful assessment was made about the policing approach and it was decided that a low key approach, which was sensitively policed, would be the most appropriate form of action.

“Proportionate action was taken on the day, and officers engaged with those present to encourage social distancing and dispersal of attendees.

“GMP will continue to make assessments of all gatherings that are felt to be unlawful and make a decision as to how best to protect the wider public from the spread of infection, our staff policing the event and those engaged in the protest.”

He continued: “Whilst no enforcement action was taken yesterday GMP has gathered evidence in relation to all the protests and will be concentrating our investigations against those who have organised these events and will where appropriate take enforcement action.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that we are still in the midst of a pandemic and it is vitally important that we all continue to play our part in helping to keep our community safe and protected.

“With the vaccination scheme in place, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel, but we must do everything we can to reduce the number of virus transmissions.

“Therefore, I would continue to appeal to the public to follow government advice and adhere to the legislation, which has been put in place to save lives. Help us to help you stay safe.”