On August 2, 2025, Manchester's city centre became the focal point of significant public demonstrations as hundreds gathered for a "March for Remigration" organized by the far-right group Britain First, met by equally fervent counter-protests from anti-racism activists. The demonstrations, which saw over 1,000 participants collectively, led to scuffles and multiple arrests as police worked to maintain order amidst heightened tensions over immigration policies. The event underscores ongoing debates surrounding immigration and integration across the United Kingdom.
The "March for Remigration" was spearheaded by Britain First, a far-right, ultranationalist political party founded in 2011 by former members of the British National Party (BNP). The group advocates for policies including a ban on Islam and the "repatriation" of immigrants. Protesters, many waving Union Jack and St George's Cross flags, chanted slogans such as "send them back!" and voiced concerns regarding migrant hotels. Protester Brendan O’Reilly, 66, articulated their sentiment, stating, > "Send them back, don’t let them in—just stop them coming in, we’ve got hotels full of immigrants and we’ve got our own homeless people in the streets begging for food but nowhere to live."
Opposing the march were hundreds of counter-protesters, primarily organized by "Stand Up To Racism" and other anti-fascist groups. These demonstrators, separated by police lines, chanted "Manchester is anti-fascist" and "say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here." Judy, a 60-year-old retired nurse and counter-protester, expressed her motivation: > "I don’t want to see people full of hate on the streets of Manchester." She further questioned the motivations behind the "remigration" call, asking, "Do they want them all to go back or is it just people with brown skin? I suspect it's just people with brown skin that they want to re-migrate."
Tensions escalated quickly, leading to brief scuffles between the two factions before police intervened to separate them. Greater Manchester Police had a "robust operational plan" in place, making several arrests to manage the volatile situation and ensure public safety. Estimates indicated approximately 600 individuals participated in the Britain First rally, while around 400 joined the counter-protest in areas like St Peter's Square and Piccadilly Gardens.
The Manchester protests are part of a broader series of anti-immigration and counter-demonstrations occurring across the UK, often fueled by debates surrounding asylum seeker accommodations. The UK government has pledged to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers, which currently cost taxpayers millions daily, aiming to reduce numbers significantly by the end of 2025 despite facing delays and legal challenges. These ongoing demonstrations highlight the deep divisions within British society regarding immigration policy and national identity.