Police in warning ahead of protest

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The English Defence League (EDL), an organisation which opposes "radical Muslims" and Sharia law, is staging a protest in Manchester city centre.

A counter demonstration, by Unite Against Fascism (UAF), will also be held.

EDL demonstrators plan to meet in Piccadilly Gardens, with an address by an "expert speaker", followed by a two-minute silence for soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The national anthem will also be sung.

A statement on the EDL website claims: "Racism will NOT be tolerated in the EDL. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-faith organisation."

It also states that anyone attending who takes part in racial, anti-religious or violent behaviour, unless in self defence, will be asked to leave.

An estimated 2,000 demonstrators from the UAF, which opposes far-right political parties and the British National Party, plan to meet in Piccadilly Gardens ahead of the EDL gathering.

UAF spokesman Mike Gilligan said: "Our plan is to occupy Piccadilly Gardens and keep the EDL out."

Chief Superintendent Gerry Donnellan, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "If people come to Manchester to protest they are legally entitled to do so. If you are going to come to Manchester and think you can get away with shouting racist, inflammatory remarks, you can expect us to respond."

Police are expecting a minimum of 500 demonstrators from both sides, including "a number of single issue groups", and Ch Supt Donnellan added: "The policing operation is not based around 500. It's a significant policing operation taking place in the city centre on Saturday. We're trying very hard to maintain business as usual."