Conservative conference: TUC rally 'disorder' warning

A Save The NHS rally ahead of the Conservative Party conference in Manchester should not be used as a "cover for disorder", police have said.

Greater Manchester Police warned any trouble at Sunday's TUC rally would be "swiftly dealt with".

The march will set off from Liverpool Road at 12:15 BST and process through the city centre, ending with a rally in Whitworth Park.

Organisers have said up to 40,000 protestors could join the march.

Among the people joining the rally will be Labour's Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham and Pete Hooton, lead singer of The Farm.

Ch Supt John O'Hare said they had been "working closely" with Manchester City Council and the organisers to facilitate the demonstration "while minimising disruption".

He said they have put in a place "a significant policing operation" to deal with the challenges, adding: "It is important to remember that there is a major security operation already in place to deliver a safe Conservative Party Conference.

A TUC spokesperson added: "We have worked very closely with police and the city council to make sure that this is a real family-friendly event where people can have a day out and make the case that we do not want cuts and privatisation in the NHS."