Conservative Party conference: The scenes at Manchester Central as security measures are stepped up

Security measures ahead of the Conservative Party conference at Manchester Central have been stepped up overnight (September 27).

The event will take place at the Convention Centre and the Midland Hotel from October 1 to 4, and more police and safety features have been appearing in the area every day for weeks.

Large yellow bollards have become a recognisable addition around the venues, helping the masses of police scheduled for the day as they control the flow of expected protesters.

There are multiple police vans, cars, and tactical aid units on every corner while officers with dogs patrol the area.

Cycle bays and disabled parking spots near Manchester Library and the Midland Hotel have been suspended.

As well as security measures, the city is ensuring the area looks clean and tidy for the arrival of the Tories with workers steam cleaning the flooring this morning.

Large metal grids and police tapes span the surrounding buildings, directing pedestrians away from certain walkways nearby.

The previous Conservative conference in Manchester in 2021 attracted a wide range of protesters and a number have already been planned, and advertised, for next week.

Among them is Manchester People’s Assembly, an activist group which campaigns against government austerity, has revealed its route, urging others to join in.

Previous protests the Conservative’s then proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill 2021, among other things.

Police responded with road closures and a ‘ring of steel’ around the convention centre and this year, the vast increase in uniformed police presence suggests that they are preparing for the same turn-out.

The conference events cover a range of topics, including the environment, transport in the north, and religion and equality among other polices and will finish with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s keynote speech ahead of next year’s General Election.