On Saturday 18 April 2026 hundreds of antifascists opposed Britain First’s national demonstration in central Manchester. Two antifascists are being prosecuted and face legal costs expected to run into thousands of pounds.

This appeal is towards legal and other costs facing one of the defendants, a UNISON member, who is not eligible for legal aid. We cannot allow the state to deter antifascist protesters in this way.

According to a report by Netpol, the Network for Police Monitoring, police consistently used disproportionate and unnecessary force against antifascist protesters on the day. Now two protesters have been charged with assaulting an emergency service worker, which they deny. There is a recent pattern of the police claiming they have been assaulted in the most implausible situations.

Donations can be made via this crowdfunder held by Robert Lizar solicitors, or by bank transfer to “Manchester Trades Union Council”, sort code 60-83-01, account 59110792, reference “Defence Appeal”, or cheques can be posted to "Manchester TUC, Mechanics Institute, 103 Princess Street, Manchester M1 6DD” clearly marked “Defence Appeal”. You can adapt this model motion for organisational donations.

If the amount of money raised in this appeal exceeds the expenses incurred by the defendant, the balance will be held for use in similar cases.