Far-right anti-Islam march sparks counterprotests in Manchester
Al Jazeera
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hundreds of far-right protesters organized by Britain First clashed with a much larger counterprotest in Manchester, where antifascist demonstrators gathered to oppose their anti-immigration and Islamophobic rhetoric. The protest, which included chants like “send them back” targeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was met with fierce resistance from activists who viewed it as a threat to multiculturalism and human rights. Tensions escalated as both groups faced off in the city center, with far-right agitators engaging in confrontations and spreading divisive messages. Despite police efforts to maintain order, the clash highlighted the growing polarization in the UK over immigration and identity.
The counterprotesters, many of whom traveled from across the country, were motivated by a sense of urgency to oppose what they viewed as a resurgence of fascism. Personal stories shared by participants, such as Ruby, whose grandparents were part of the Windrush generation, underscored feelings of alienation and fear of being excluded from society. Similarly, Llowelyn, a young counterprotester, expressed how her father, a British Guyanese man, has faced increasing racial harassment in recent years. These narratives reflect broader concerns about rising far-right sentiment and its impact on marginalized communities.
The Britain First march was led by Paul Golding, a controversial figure with a history of hate crimes, who framed the event as a celebration of British identity. However, this narrative was met with skepticism by counterprotesters, who viewed it as an attempt to intimidate minorities and promote exclusionary policies. The clash between the two groups in Manchester’s city center turned violent at points, with far-right protesters using flag poles to prod counterprotesters and shouting anti-immigration slogans. The police struggled to contain the situation, with some counterprotesters expressing frustration over what they saw as inadequate执法.
The incident has sparked broader debates about free speech, public safety, and the role of law enforcement in managing such events. Critics argue that allowing far-right
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/21/2026