Police forcibly remove Traveller children from Manchester city centre

In late November 2023, approximately 300 individuals from Traveller communities and their supporters conducted a peaceful march in Manchester, England. This demonstration was organized in response to recent actions taken by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) that involved the enforcement of a dispersal order targeting young Traveller teens. The dispersal order had led to significant controversy when the police reportedly prevented children from attending the city's Christmas market, forcibly ushering many onto trains leaving the area. The protest, spearheaded by prominent figures in the Traveller community, including reality TV star Paddy Doherty and community advocate Tommy Joyce, was intended to raise awareness of what they described as discriminatory treatment towards Travellers. Protesters expressed outrage towards GMP’s actions, arguing that the order unfairly targeted children from their communities and echoed a history of discrimination. As participants marched through the city, Paddy Doherty voiced his frustration, stating that Travellers are often subjected to systemic discrimination and that the police's actions were a blatant violation of their human rights. Witnesses to the unfolding events described the tense atmosphere at Victoria Station, where videos circulated on social media depicted officers turning away groups and escorting children away from the city. These events were particularly alarming to the Traveller community, who felt that such treatment harked back to the injustices faced by marginalized groups throughout history. During the march, some protesters articulated a need for recognition and respect for their rights as individuals within the broader Manchester community. In response to the backlash, GMP defended its actions, claiming that the dispersal order was necessitated by reports of disruptive behavior among certain groups traveling into the city. However, many members of the Traveller Movement, a charity advocating for the rights of Travellers, denounced the police's approach as heavy-handed and discriminatory. Criticism was aimed not only at the police's methods but also at a broader societal condition that regularly marginalizes the Traveller population. This incident has sparked discussions on police accountability and civil rights, prompting calls for greater understanding and reform in how law enforcement engages with minority communities. The internal affairs department of GMP is currently investigating complaints regarding the operation.