Manchester urged to ‘come together against hate’ ahead of Britain First march in the city this weekend

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Community is Kindness billboard in Manchester city centre

Community is Kindness billboard in Manchester city centre / Credit: Matthew Waring (via Unsplash)

Manchester is being urged to ‘come together against hate’ ahead of the Britain First march planned in the city centre this weekend.

Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council, has addressed the local community directly, asserting Manchester’s core values as a welcoming city with ‘diversity and respect’ at its heart, and reaffirming that the message from the region’s leaders is one of ‘unity’ and togetherness against hatred ‘in all its forms’.

“Manchester does not welcome Britain First to our city because they seek to divide our communities and spread hatred,” Cllr Craig declared.

Founded by anti-abortion campaigner, Britain First is described as being a far-right British fascist and neo-fascist political party and hate group formed in 2011 by members of the former British National Party (BNP).

The party itself, however, states on its own website that it is as a ‘patriotic political party that will put our own people first’.

In an emphatic statement speaking out against Britain First’s views and their intentions to march through the city centre this weekend, Cllr Bev Craig said: “We understand the alarm and distress that comes when a group like Britain First, which is widely regarded as a far-right hate group, chooses to gather in our city.

“However, UK law protects the right to freedom of expression and assembly, and this means that protests are allowed on the condition they engage fully with the local police force.  

Cllr Bev Craig urges Manchester to ‘come together against hate’ / Credit: Manchester City Council

“GMP have given assurances that they will be policing this protest seriously, robustly and with public safety as their top priority.

“At a time when groups promoting division seek attention, our strength comes from standing united – celebrating our diversity and supporting one another. Let’s come together and send a clear message that hate has no place in our city.”

Cllr Craig closed out her statement declaring that Manchester ‘stands together’.

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“Our unity is stronger than hate and the values that unite us will always hold firm.

“We are a welcoming and friendly city, with a proud history of tolerance, fairness and respect. But the hate and division that Britain First foster has no place here. We have no time for racism or hatred.”

Featured Image – Matthew Waring (via Unsplash)

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