'Hang The Tories' Banner Triggers Horror And Disgust Ahead Of Manchester Conservative Conference

'Those aren’t protestors, they're fascists.'

Police have removed a banner over a bridge in Salford that said “hang the Tories”, as people arriving for the Conservative Party conference reacted with horror and disgust.

The banner included two mannequins in suits hanging from nooses and red flag. Tory MP Mike Fabricant said of the people who hung it: “Those aren’t protestors, they’re fascists.”

What a charming welcome to Manchester and the Conservative Party Conference.
These aren’t protesters, they’re fascists. pic.twitter.com/kmoNO3V2Zd

— Michael Fabricant (@Mike_Fabricant) September 30, 2017

Labour politicians also reacted with disgust, with Greater Manchester MP Angela Raynor calling it “disgusting”.

This is disgusting and not the Manchester I know and love ❤️ #NotInMyName those that do this let Mcr down 😞 https://t.co/Rb7wykBbPp

— Angela Rayner MP (@AngelaRayner) September 30, 2017

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said it was “just wrong,” adding: “We will always protect the right to protest but never threaten, abuse or incite violence.”

This is just wrong. We will always protect the right to protest but never to threaten, abuse or incite violence. It should come down. https://t.co/JnJEImLpTx

— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) September 30, 2017

Former Labour candidate Kevin McKeever said: “This is disgusting. Totally unacceptable. This isn’t the USSR.”

This is disgusting. Totally unacceptable. This isn’t the USSR. https://t.co/Yp6knvfqfv

— Kevin McKeever (@kevinmckeever) September 30, 2017

Journalists too condemned the banner.

People who do things like this add absolutely nothing to political debate. Disagree with policies, sure. Make those arguments. Urgh. pic.twitter.com/1Pkc22Sd7p

— Liz Rawlings (@lizrawlings) September 30, 2017

Disgraceful behaviour https://t.co/eisp7AQgXV

— Owen Bennett (@owenjbennett) September 30, 2017

Police said they saw the banner at around 8.52am and arrived to remove it at 9.10am. The mannequins were not there when they arrived, a Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said.

She added: “Following removal of the banner, police received a number of calls regarding the banner after people had seen the images which were on social media.

“We would like to reassure the public that any instances of inappropriate or offensive behaviour or material will be dealt with swiftly by our officers.”

The Tory Party confernce begins tomorrow at the Manchester Central convention centre and lasts until Wednesday.

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