Ukip march triggers Section 60 order in Liverpool city centre
ukip will hold a procession in Liverpool city centre today, March 21, prompting Merseyside Police to introduce a Section 60 order that gives officers additional powers to search people suspected of involvement in criminality or disorder. The Section 60 began at 8: 00am ET and runs until 9: 00pm ET; organisers planned to meet on the steps of the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral at 12: 00pm ET with the march due to leave at 1: 00pm ET. Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson condemned the gathering and said the council regretted it had no legal power to stop the event.
Ukip march draws condemnation from council and church leaders
Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Let me be very, very clear, that hate has no place in our city. ” Robinson added the authority would be “working very, very closely with Merseyside Police to make sure all measures are being taken to ensure public safety. “
Senior faith figures also distanced themselves from the rally. Reverend Geoff Felton, Moderator of the United Reformed Church Mersey Synod, joined a joint statement that said: “We will continue to stand firm against hatred, prejudice, racism and bigotry in all their forms, confident that these forces will not define who we are as a society. ” Canon Anthony O’Brien, Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral, said the cathedral had not given permission for the march to take place on its piazza and reiterated that the Catholic Church “respects the dignity of every person irrespective of their country of origin. “
UKIP pushed back in public statements, calling clergy criticism a “cheek” and asserting strong views about the role of faith in the party’s campaigning. The far right party named its event “Walk with Jesus” and shared the plan on February 23; organisers described the dedication as to the passion of the Lord.
Police invoke Section 60 order and extra powers
Merseyside Police authorised a Section 60 order covering a broad area of the city centre. The order grants officers additional powers to search anyone suspected of involvement in criminality or disorder and includes a Section 60AA provision under which failure to remove a face covering when asked can lead to arrest and any face covering may be seized.
Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton of Merseyside Police said: “This order is not designed to disrupt people going about their lawful business in the city centre. It will instead be used to help keep everyone safe and ensure that law‑abiding citizens can carry on with as little disruption as possible. ” He urged residents, visitors and workers to speak with officers if they had concerns and to report criminal behaviour so police could take action. The force said a large police presence would be in place to support public safety throughout the procession period.
What’s next: policing, council action and community response
Officials say the immediate priority is safety and order while the procession takes place and while the Section 60 remains in force until 9: 00pm ET. Robinson reiterated the council’s commitment to standing against racism and to supporting measures that keep people safe on the streets.
Community and church leaders have signalled they will continue to oppose messages they view as divisive, while Merseyside Police will maintain heightened patrols and powers through the day. If incidents occur, residents are urged to contact emergency services. The council and police expect to assess the day once the procession concludes and will determine any further steps; the role and message of ukip in staging the event are likely to shape local discussion in the hours and days that follow.
