Extinction Rebellion is protesting in central Manchester from Friday 30 August – Monday 2 September. Disruption to the road network around Deansgate is expected up to Tuesday 3 September.
Extinction Rebellion is a socio-political movement with the stated aim of using civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance to protest against climate change, biodiversity loss and the risk of social and ecological collapse. There have been a series of protests around the country in recent months.
Key Notes for Businesses
- Protesters are gathered on and around Deansgate from John Dalton Street to St Ann Street
- All road traffic is currently diverted from Deansgate
- Go to tfgm.com/extinction-rebellion for road closures and bus diversions
- Anticipate delays and allow for additional journey times
- Regarding local waste collections and deliveries please prepare, advise staff, re-route and re-schedule where possible
- GMP commanders, liaison officers and event stewards are on-site
- The XR protest is a no alcohol or drugs event
- Businesses remain open as usual.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) Travel Advice
Extinction Rebellion Travel Planning Page (inc. bus re-routing)
This information will be updated as the protest proceeds over the weekend, if any changes are needed. Bookmark the page.
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FAQs
- Why is this protest being permitted?
Under the articles contained within the European Convention for Human Rights, we have to respect the right of individuals or groups freedom of expression providing it is done so peacefully.
- I don’t want protestors on my private premises – what can I do?
If somebody is inside your premises without your permission they are trespassing. If permission is implied or conditional (e.g. a shop during opening hours for potential customers) it can be withdrawn – once withdrawn anybody there without your permission becomes a trespasser.
Trespass is not a criminal offence, but you can bring court proceedings against trespassers to claim damages and you have the right to forcibly remove them. In the case of a situation escalating, businesses/landowners/security guards can call the police.
- How long is this protest going to last?
It is expected that the protest will last four days from Friday 30 August – Monday 2 September.
- Who can I liaise with from MCC and GMP?
You can liaise with your local councillor, or with any person or department within the council with whom you usually have contact. To contact GMP you can access the website gmp.police.uk, use the Web Chat, call 101, or 999 in an emergency.
- My property / possessions have been damaged – how do I report?
If your business or property is a target of criminal activity, please call the non-emergency number 101 or use the Web Chat. In the case of an emergency please call 999.
- I have lost business – what can I do?
If you are a member of CityCo or Manchester BID and suffer a loss of custom due to the protest please report to operations@cityco.com
- Can the protest be stopped?
Everybody has the right to protest in a peaceful lawful manner and the authorities will facilitate such protests where required.
Once a protest has started, under Section 14 of the Public Order Act conditions can be imposed on a protest if the Senior Police Officer present believes that the event may result in serious public disorder, serious damage to property, serious disruption to community life or if it prevents people going about their lawful business. Such conditions include location and duration of the protest.
- Does my insurance cover protests?
The level of cover provided by buildings insurance varies from policy to policy. Generally policies will provide cover for damage caused to buildings, if that cover has been selected when purchasing the policy. If you are in any doubt about the level of cover your policy provides you should contact your insurance company for advice.
