Greater Manchester Police has issued a statement regarding the large-scale protests which took place in the city centre on Saturday.
The statement specifically addressed the decision not to dismiss the demonstrating crowds.
Hundreds of people gathered in St Peter’s Square to demonstrate on a number of causes – including opposition to the government’s proposed new crime legislation – with several others gathering to show their opposition to violence against women, and Black Lives Matter protesters and an anti-lockdown group were also seen within the crowds, which also congregated in Piccadilly Gardens.
The Manchester city centre demonstrations were believed to form part of a nationwide movement, with several other protests citing similar motives also seen to have taken place in other major cities across the UK – most prominently London and Bristol.
Under the current restrictions for England’s third national lockdown, mass demonstrations are not prohibited – a change to previous restrictions, which allowed them to place – and the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which has been widely reported on over the last week, would give police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance.
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Those convicted under the proposed legislation could face a fine or jail time.
More than a thousand people are now taking part in the Manchester protest against the COVID-19 laws. They claim the risk of the virus has been exaggerated – and are calling for their “freedom” back. The council say it’s an insult to those families who’ve lost loved ones. pic.twitter.com/JphHowWD2A
Over the course of the demonstrations in Manchester city centre this past weekend, police officers – including tactical aid units – were seen surrounding the crowds, but did not intervene.
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Now, Nick Bailey – Assistant Chief Constable at the Greater Manchester Police – has issued a statement about the forces’ decision to adopt a “low key approach”, with officers engaging with people to encourage them to socially distance and disperse.
ACC Bailey said that GMP has gathered evidence in relation to all protests, and will be concentrating investigations against those who have organised these events.
He 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.
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“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”.
Relatively small protest in Manchester and verrrry hands-off policing. Cops are parked round the corner, not really anywhere near. pic.twitter.com/PJNG4kb2f8
He continued: “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. 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.
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“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.”
Today Manchester said #killthebill – our right to protest will not be silenced. What we are seeing is dangerous but not unexpected – the police and Tories feel threatened! now more than ever get out and protest the #PoliceCrackdownBillpic.twitter.com/BVRyEZT7iT
ACC Bailey’s statement comes just a fortnight after mental health worker, Karen Reissmann, was handed a £10,000 fine for organising a “socially distanced and fully risk assessed” demonstration – which came to an end after 10 minutes – in the same spot to protest the government’s proposed 1% pay rise for NHS staff.
Ms Reissmann was fined and another woman, 65, was arrested for failing to provide details having refused the opportunity to leave when asked.
Six Nations to stay free-to-air as broadcasters strike new TV deal
Danny Jones
Good news for rugby fans as the Guinness Six Nations is set to remain free-to-air for the foreseeable future following a new deal being struck between the competition and its current broadcasters.
With the 2025 tournament approaching its conclusion, the organisers are already looking ahead to the next year and how to contest will be marketed, with many predicting the rights to be snapped up by a major sporting channel.
Fortunately, however, the Six Nations‘ present coverage partners have managed to keep the games as part of the current TV license package after striking a new four-year deal.
The agreement between BBC and ITV, who air all of the annual fixtures between them at the moment, will see the pair host the matches until 2029 at the very least.
As mentioned, it was thought that broadcasters and streaming platforms like TNT Sports might secure the licensing for at least part of the tournament as they continue to expand their large and varied service but, for now, UK coverage is staying right where it is.
Under the new contract, ITV will show 10 games per season, including every England match, while the BBC will air the remaining five fixtures.
BBC will also host all Wales and Scotland home games bar when the two nations play England at Murrayfieldand the Principality Stadiums, respectively.
Better still, not only will the men’s competition be staying free-to-air but BBC will continue to show every game during the Women’s Six Nations as the interest in female rugby continues to grow.
In fact, it’s having quite a boom here in Greater Manchester on its own.
Greater Mancs making strides for the next generation.
This year’s tournament has been as blockbuster and nail-baiting as ever, with England still in with a chance of winning the whole thing if they beat Wales with a bonus point – provided France fail to beat Scotland in the final game.
England’s last game gets underway at 4:45pm and it’s all to play for.
You can find all the best places to watch the remainder of the action down below:
Featured Images — Sum_of_Marc (via Flickr)/Guinness Six Nations
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The incredible £5m Hollywood-style mansion with ‘one in a million’ views
Thomas Melia
Ever fancied waking up in a property that feels so LA, that if you walk past your window fast enough you can imagine catching a glimpse of the Hollywood sign?
If the Oscars has you feeling like you want to live a taste of the high life, then fear not, because we’ve got you covered with a property that feels like it’s straight out of the land of lights, camera, action.
This five bedroom mansion is located in Alderley Edge within Cheshire, and with its oval shaped exterior, you can see a full 360 of the surrounding landscapes.
Before you even see the property itself, you make your way up a private road leading straight to the just-over 10,000 square foot house.
The first floor is mesmerising from its amenities such as a music room, media room, study and sitting room as you walk in, to the collective gym, steam room, sauna and pool at the other end of the house.
What a way to let the light in.Who doesn’t want a pool in their house?Credit: Rightmove
Your eyes can’t help but focus on the wide circular hall, lit up perfectly by the sun roof overlooking it, even on a dull day some natural light is always appreciated.
The second floor has five large bedrooms all with en suites and individual dressing rooms, so you can get yourself all dolled up without having to worry about whose turn it is to use the mirror.
One of the bedrooms even has its own lounge space for when you want to admire how beautiful this grand dwelling place really is.
Obviously the master bedroom has the largest wingspan and is curved in nature with doors opening out onto the balcony terrace which is curved like this house’s exterior.
Those remarkable floor to ceiling windows are stunning.The only thing missing is a glass of sangria.Credit: Rightmove
Every window segment for all the rooms contains three floor to ceiling slabs which are all attached to each other, allowing you to see the outside world without having to leave your room.
The land attached to the property is all contained within a walled proximity featuring a formal garden, a wider dome shaped green space and a final rocky terrain with a stone patio taking up one half.
Still not enough to win you over? How about four adjoined stables and an accompanying garage which makes up the surrounding space on the opposite side.
Adjacent to the oval shaped home, the row of stables are detached from the main house with the garage free standing as well.
Stables and a garage, wow.Bird’s eye view of what could be your next mini oasis.Credit: Rightmove