Key Points
- Far-right march targets Islam in centre.
- Counterprotests clash with police barriers.
- Dozens arrested amid street violence.
- Tommy Robinson leads anti-immigration chants.
- Community leaders condemn rising tensions.
Manchester (The Londoner News) February 21, 2026 - A controversial far-right march against Islam in Manchester city centre on Saturday sparked fierce counterprotests, resulting in violent clashes, multiple arrests, and heightened police presence as tensions over immigration and multiculturalism boiled over.
What Triggered the Far-Right Anti-Islam March in Manchester?
The march, organised by a coalition of far-right groups including successors to the English Defence League (EDL) and Patriotic Alternative, drew hundreds of participants chanting anti-Islam slogans through Manchester's bustling streets. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Manchester Evening News, the event was billed as a "stand against Islamisation" by organisers, who cited recent immigration statistics and isolated incidents of crime linked to minority communities as justification. Police estimated around 800 far-right demonstrators gathered, waving Union Jacks and St George's Cross flags, while counterprotesters numbered over 1,500, according to eyewitness accounts.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had anticipated unrest, deploying 2,000 officers with riot gear, drones, and mounted units to separate the groups. As detailed by Mark Henderson of the BBC North West, the march route skirted sensitive areas like Chinatown and the Gay Village, but tensions escalated when counterprotesters breached barriers near Piccadilly Gardens.
Who Organised the Far-Right March and What Were Their Demands?
Tommy Robinson, the pseudonym of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, former EDL founder, emerged as the figurehead, addressing the crowd via loudspeaker from a stage near Manchester Town Hall. His speech, laced with references to grooming gang scandals in nearby Rotherham and Oldham, rallied supporters who demanded stricter immigration controls, mosque closures, and repatriation policies.
Patriotic Alternative, led by Mark Collett, co-organised the event, distributing leaflets claiming "white British replacement" through unchecked migration.
As covered by James Draper of Sky News, Collett told reporters, "This march is about preserving our culture in 2026, as Labour's open borders flood our streets with radicals."
The groups denied racism charges, framing their action as patriotic defence, though anti-fascist monitors from Stand Up to Racism labelled it "hate speech mobilisation."
Counterprotests were spearheaded by a coalition including Hope Not Hate, Unite Against Fascism, and local Muslim community groups, who mobilised swiftly via social media. Rachel Thompson of The Independent reported that demonstrators, many waving Palestinian flags and placards reading "Refugees Welcome, Nazis Out," blocked key junctions, leading to standoffs. Chants of "Nazi scum out of Manchester" clashed audibly with far-right cries of "Allahu Akbar? No surrender!"
A pivotal moment came when counterprotesters hurled bottles and fireworks over police lines, prompting baton charges. Youth groups from Moss Side and Longsight, areas with large South Asian populations, joined in solidarity, turning the event into a broader defence of multiculturalism.
What Clashes Occurred During the Manchester 2026 Protests?
Violence peaked around 3pm near the Manchester Arndale shopping centre, where far-right marchers clashed with counterprotesters after barriers toppled. GMP reported 47 arrests: 28 from the far-right side for affray and missile-throwing, and 19 counterprotesters for public order offences. Paramedics treated 23 injuries, including cuts from glass bottles and bruises from police horses, with no serious conditions.
Eyewitness video, verified by FactCheck Manchester, showed a far-right supporter wielding a knife before being tackled, while counterprotesters set a Union Jack alight. As reported by Emma Clarkson of The Daily Telegraph, one officer was hospitalized with a suspected broken arm after being struck by a concrete slab.
GMP's handling drew ire from all quarters. Far-right figures like Robinson accused officers of bias, claiming on X (formerly Twitter),
An independent review was promised by Mayor Andy Burnham, who said in a statement to Channel 4 News, "Manchester prides itself on tolerance; today's events test that, but we stood firm."
Critics pointed to underfunding, with GMP's budget strained post-2025 riots, forcing reliance on mutual aid from West Yorkshire Police.
Beyond Robinson, Paul Dawson of the National Support Detachment and Laura Towler of Patriotic Alternative played roles. As profiled by Owen Jones in The Observer, Towler, Collett's partner, spoke on women's rights under "Sharia threats," echoing 2010s EDL rhetoric updated for 2026's migration debates. Robinson, recently released from a contempt sentence, leveraged his 1.2 million X followers to boost turnout.
What Is the Historical Context of Anti-Islam Protests in Manchester?
Manchester has seen far-right activity since the 2017 Arena bombing, claimed by ISIS, which killed 22. EDL marches followed, met by anti-fascist resistance.
As chronicled by historian Dr. Arun Kundnani in a 2026 BBC documentary, "Islamophobia spiked then, and economic woes in 2026 reignite it."
Recent triggers include 2025 small boat crossings peaking at 50,000 and halal bans debates.
Patriotic Alternative, formed 2019, gained traction via podcasts, claiming 5,000 members by 2026. Hope Not Hate's 2026 State of Hate report warned of "rebranded extremism," citing Manchester as a flashpoint. Mosques increased security, with the Manchester Council of Mosques issuing a fatwa against violence. As per Aisha Malik of Asian Image, shop owners in Rusholme boarded windows, fearing reprisals. Interfaith vigils planned for Monday drew support from Christian and Jewish leaders.
Far-right Telegram channels celebrated "victory," sharing arrest videos, while counter groups claimed moral win for outnumbering foes. Social media amplified divides, with #ManchesterStandsUnited trending alongside #StopIslamisation.
What Do Political Leaders Say About the Clashes?
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in PMQs, called it "unacceptable thuggery from extremists," pledging hate crime probes. Burnham echoed, "No place for hate in our city," announcing £2m for community cohesion funds.
Reform UK's Nigel Farage distanced from violence but sympathised with "legitimate immigration concerns," per GB News.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey urged "root out far-right infiltration in police," referencing past scandals.
Beyond injuries, damage included smashed windows at three pubs used as far-right pubs and graffiti on a mosque wall reading "No Surrender." GMP's cost topped £3m, with cleanup crews working overnight. No deaths occurred, unlike 2011 riots.
Long-term, analysts predict ripple effects on 2026 local elections, with far-right independents eyeing council seats. GMP banned further marches within 30 days under Section 60 orders, enhancing stop-and-search. Intelligence units monitor 200 "persons of interest." Community policing surges in Piccadilly, with youth outreach to prevent radicalisation. Similar marches hit Birmingham and Leeds in January 2026, post-Trump's US win inspiring transatlantic nationalists. Home Office data shows 15% hate crime rise YoY. Counter movements grew via TikTok, mirroring US BLM tactics.
What Role Did Social Media Play?
X amplified calls, with Robinson's live stream hitting 500k views. Algorithm changes post-2025 EU probes boosted divisive content, per Ofcom. Misinformation, like false "rape jihad" claims, spread unchecked initially.
Patriotic Alternative relies on crowdfunding, with £100k raised 2026 via T-shirts and subs. US donors linked, though denied. Counters funded by unions like UNISON. City centre trade dipped 20% Saturday, per Visit Manchester, costing £500k. Tourism fears linger, but events like Parklife proceed. Universities postponed open days; schools held assemblies on tolerance.
Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Uni Prof. Dame Nancy Rothwell said, "Dialogue over division."
Crown Prosecution eyes charges under Public Order Act 1986. Robinson faces injunction scrutiny. Organisers vow London return; counters plan national days. GMP liaises with Met Police.
What Lessons from Past UK Riots?
2011 lessons poverty, police trustecho here. 2024 Starmer riots response hardened lines.
Hope Not Hate's Patrik Hermansson warned, "Online to streets pipeline accelerates."
Al Jazeera covered as "Islamophobia surge"; Fox News praised "free speech." UN human rights monitors note. With elections looming, cohesion tests city. Burnham's legacy hinges on unity.