Full Breakdown
Police Prepare Additional Powers for Manchester Protests on October 31
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) announced that they will deploy extra powers on Saturday, October 31, to manage an expected “hundreds of protesters and counter-protesters” gathering in Manchester city centre. The main far-right anti-migration rally is slated to begin around midday in Albert Square, with separate counter-demonstrations planned for the same area.
02
Background & Context
The planned demonstration follows earlier far-right actions in the city, including a Britain First protest that attracted media attention earlier in the year. GMP expects the current event to draw both supporters of the anti-migration rally and groups opposed to it, creating a potentially volatile mix in the city’s commercial core.
03
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Superintendent Marcus Noden said the police will maintain a “large presence” to keep the public safe and minimise disruption. He described the operation as “flexible and resilient,” emphasizing that officers will facilitate the lawful right to protest while intervening promptly if conduct crosses into criminality.
04
Legal Framework
The policing plan will rely on two specific statutes:
- Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 – a dispersal power that allows officers to direct people to leave an area to prevent anti-social behaviour or disorder, with non-compliance leading to arrest.
- Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 – authorises officers to require removal of face coverings when they reasonably believe the covering is being used to conceal identity.
05
What’s Next
The additional powers will be exercised on Saturday, October 31, as the protests unfold. GMP has not announced any further scheduled actions beyond that date.