What happened at yesterday’s anti-lockdown rally in Manchester?
Anti-lockdown, anti-mask, anti-vaccine and anti-establishment chants were voiced throughout - with the prevailing narrative being a "desire for freedom".
Hundreds gathered in Piccadilly Gardens on Sunday afternoon to protest the national lockdown in England.
The crowd had congregated to voice their discontent over the Government’s decision to reimpose social restrictions – with attendees suggesting the impacts of the virus were overstated and therefore required no intervention.
Anti-lockdown, anti-mask, anti-vaccine and anti-establishment chants were voiced throughout – with the prevailing narrative being a “desire for freedom”.
One woman holding a sign that read ‘I need to tell my grandchildren I did not stay silent’ said: “There is a bigger agenda, the end game, who knows we are all guessing but it is coming.
“It is coming with the track and trace, next it will be the vaccine obviously, we will be like robots in the next ten years.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Another man compared the government to “Nazism”.
Many protestors claimed to have been defying government rules since the start of the pandemic with no consequences.
ADVERTISEMENT
No-one that I spoke to claimed that the virus did not exist, but rather suggested it was no different to a common viral infection, and that the country should not shut down because of it.
Many protestors expressed frustration with authorities (refusing to announce the final destination of their march as they believed the police would be waiting for them) and also pointed fingers of blame in the direction of the ‘sheep’ following the lockdown rules.
Anyone wearing masks at the rally were urged to “remove them or leave.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Greater Manchester Police officially issued a dispersal order at 6.45pm – making gathering in the area a criminal offence.
The statement read: “GMP would also like to use this opportunity to remind members of the public that under the national covid-19 restrictions, gatherings of more than two people are unlawful.
“We encourage people to comply with these restrictions, as we have throughout this public health crisis, to help keep themselves and others safe.”
Councillor Pat Karney called the gathering “disgraceful.”
Police also said that several officers were injured and have since pledged to fine the organiser of the protest £10,000.
News
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Gemma Bradley -
9th November 2020 
