Middleton protest planned as organiser sets out bail conditions ahead of event

A public protest is due to take place in Middleton Gardens on Saturday, 8 August, with organiser Jamie Thomason stating he intends to comply with his bail conditions while addressing supporters before leaving the area. According to a statement published on social media, Greater Manchester Police will have officers present during the event, with police liaison officers said to be aware of the arrangements.

In his announcement, Thomason said he would be joined by several guest speakers from across the UK, including Ashlea Simon of All for England, Dorothy Jones and Pag Billy UK, with additional speakers yet to be confirmed. He described his planned speech as being based on information which he says can be verified through publicly available sources and encouraged supporters to attend the demonstration.

Thomason also referred to his current bail conditions, stating that he is prohibited from congregating with more than ten people. He asked supporters not to approach him in groups, saying he had agreed with Greater Manchester Police that he would attend, deliver his speech and leave Middleton immediately afterwards. He also stated that he would give his speech from a distance and would not become involved in any confrontation because he did not intend to breach his bail conditions.

Rochdale Daily has not independently verified the specific bail conditions referred to in Thomason's post, and reports them only as claims made by the organiser himself.

The right to peaceful protest is protected in UK law under Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, although that right is subject to restrictions where they are lawful, necessary and proportionate. Police have powers under the Public Order Act 1986, as amended by more recent legislation including the Public Order Act 2023, to impose conditions on public assemblies where they reasonably believe serious public disorder, serious disruption, intimidation or damage may occur. Participants are expected to comply with any lawful conditions imposed.

Greater Manchester Police has previously stated that its role at public demonstrations is to facilitate peaceful and lawful protest while taking action where criminal offences are committed or where public safety is at risk. Depending on the circumstances, officers may deploy protest liaison teams, public order officers or other resources to manage events and minimise disruption to the wider community.

The planned demonstration is likely to attract differing opinions from residents. Supporters say the event is intended to raise awareness of issues they believe are affecting communities across the country, while others are expected to disagree with both the organisers and the views expressed. Peaceful disagreement and lawful protest are protected rights, provided they remain within the limits of the law.

Anyone travelling through Middleton town centre on Saturday should be aware that there may be an increased police presence around Middleton Gardens while the demonstration takes place. At the time of publication, no official road closures, dispersal orders or protest conditions had been publicly announced.

Rochdale Daily has contacted Greater Manchester Police for comment to confirm the policing arrangements for the event, including whether officers will be deployed, whether any conditions have been imposed under public order legislation, and whether any road closures, dispersal powers or other measures are anticipated. This article will be updated if and when a response is received.