Britain First activists have been known to carry out “Christian patrols” and “mosque invasions” in which members stormed into Islamic places of worship. They have also targeted hotels temporarily housing asylum seekers and confronted staff and residents with cameras.

After numerous failed attempts, Britain First re-registered as a political party in 2021. The Finsbury Park terror attacker, Darren Osborne, who drove a van into a crowd of Muslims near a London mosque, killing Makram Ali, 51, and injuring nine others, read Britain First posts before his attempted massacre of worshippers.

Neo-Nazi Thomas Mair repeatedly shouted the group’s name while murdering Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016.

Britain First is among the organisations perpetuating the idea of a cultural “war against Islam”. Leader Paul Golding called on people to join Saturday’s march in Manchester by claiming that “Britain is facing extinction”, saying that “invaders are entering our country”.

He said the march was a celebration of “English nationhood”.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has said that people do not have a right to travel to the city to “incite fear, intimidation and violence” ahead of Britain First’s St George’s Day march.

Speaking in a social media video on Friday, Mr Burnham said: “There is no place in Greater Manchester for any form of racism or hate. There never has been and there never will be. People have a right to demonstrate but they do not have a right to travel to our city region and incite fear, intimidation, and violence in our communities.

“We have a proud tradition of communities working together, supporting each other, that is what Greater Manchester is all about. Greater Manchester police have assured me that they will be taking every possible step to ensure that demonstrations planned for this weekend are carried out in a lawful manner. Anything that crosses the line into unlawfulness will be dealt with swiftly and firmly.

“As a city region, we will do everything within our power to minimise disruption to the public and, of course, to keep people safe at all times.”

Crowds have gathered in Manchester to challenge Britain First’s St George’s Day march on Saturday.

Counter-protesters were pictured holding signs condemning fascism and saying refugees are welcome in Manchester.

The leader of Manchester city council has said that “racism and hatred have no place” in the city ahead of Britain First’s march on Saturday.

Cllr Bev Craig said: “Britain First have announced their intention to hold a national demonstration in Manchester. And once again, we have a clear message for them: racism and hatred have no place here.

“Manchester celebrates its traditions by coming together, and it’s disappointing this group are trying to hijack St George’s Day. I urge Mancunians who want to celebrate St George’s Day in Manchester to get involved in our annual parade on the 26 April or by joining in the Council funded events across the city. We can celebrate our traditions while celebrating all that is good about modern Manchester. Rejecting hatred and coming together like we do best.

“We are asking for everyone to stand united in the face of division, celebrating the fact that we have more in common than our differences. Let’s come together with a clear message that there is no room for hatred in our city.”

The council have also created posters and images for residents to share in protest at the divisive march.

Saturday’s demonstration by Britain First and their supporters is not the first march by the organisation in Manchester this year.

The far-right group organised a march in February this year, with supporters gathered outside Piccadilly Station, while counter-demonstrations were held in the city centre.

Manchester police arrested 11 men, although two were later de-arrested. They were arrested on suspicion of prevention of a breach of the peace, suspicion of assaulting emergency workers, on suspicion of assault and on suspicion of public order offences.

Hundreds of police officers will be on duty across Manchester city centre this Saturday as a far-right Britain First march is anticipated to draw significant counter-protests.

Police chiefs have confirmed a substantial presence to manage the event, which is expected to involve around 1,000 supporters of the anti-immigration party and a similar number of counter-demonstrators.

While facilitating the right to protest, authorities emphasised their priority is to keep Manchester “open for business”, aiming to minimise disruption for the 120,000 visitors typically seen on a Saturday.

Enhanced police powers are in effect for the city centre. These include the authority to issue dispersal orders, allowing arrests for non-compliance, and expanded stop and search capabilities, which permit officers to request the removal of face coverings.

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Police have warned locals that they should except a larger police presence in Manchester city centre on Saturday. They have assured visitors and businesses that significant resources are in place to make sure people can continue their day with as minimal impact as possible.

Rick Jackson, Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: “The public should expect to see a large police presence in the city centre on Saturday as part of our policing operation focused on keeping people safe and minimising the wider impact during the planned protest and counterprotests.

“Disruption should be expected but we are working with partners in the city centre to mitigate this.

“We’ll have significant resources in place to facilitate protest and to ensure our local communities, businesses and visitors to Manchester can go about their day safely and with as minimal impact as possible.

“Our officers will police without fear or favour, ensuring those exercising their right to protest can do so safely, while intervening when behaviour crosses the line into criminality.”