Cops’ major operation as Tories come to town
THE Tory party conference WILL go ahead in Manchester this weekend prompting a major police operation to deal with security and counter-demonstrations.
There had been fears the Conservatives might cancel the fourday event that is worth an estimated £32m to the city’s economy.
But Tory party chair James Cleverly has confirmed it will go ahead as planned at Manchester Central from Sunday.
Political turmoil continues in Westminster, with Boris Johnson accused of stoking tensions with his language over Brexit, and Parliament voting against a mini recess.
That means Commons business will continue on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week, leaving opposition parties potentially free to cause disruption while Conservatives are away.
It could mean Tories skipping back and forth between Manchester and London, while some opponents of Mr Johnson might choose to boycott their own party conference altogether.
Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether Mr Johnson will give his speech in Manchester on Wednesday, even though Prime Minister’s Questions is scheduled in London, or if his speech will be brought forward.
A government source told the M.E.N earlier this week they believed the conference might not be on the same scale as usual.
“I think conference will still go ahead, but I don’t know what it’s going to look like,” they said, adding: “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Despite the uncertainty, police and council bosses are preparing for ‘business as usual.’
It is the sixth time Manchester has hosted the Conservative Party conference which provides a major boost to the hospitality sector, in particular.
It also coincides with two big football matches, with United playing Arsenal at home on Monday and City playing Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Tuesday.
A ring of steel is being put in place around the main venue Manchester Central, while police will be out in force to deal with a number of anti-Tory rallies that are planned.
It means police will essentially have the city centre on ‘lockdown’ for a full week.
Thousands are expected to join a march called Reject Brexit, Defend Our Democracy on Sunday, a collaboration between March for Change and Manchester for Europe.
It is due to leave Whitworth Park on Oxford Road, then go past the Tory party conference to a rally at Castlefield Bowl.
There a Boris Blimp helium balloon will be flown for the first time outside Westminster.
A separate march with a focus on anti-austerity is also be organised by the People’s Assembly.
The marchers will leave All Saints Park on Oxford Road at around midday, head into the city centre and past the Tory party conference and continue on to Deansgate.
A flyer also says there will be four days of anti-Conservative Party activities in locations in Piccadilly Gardens and St Peter’s Square.
It is understood extra policing resources have been drawn in from across Greater Manchester.
Transport bosses say road closures will be in place from 9am on Sunday, meaning changes to some bus services and alternative routes for drivers.