Outrage over 'hang the Tories' banner on Manchester bridge ahead of Conservative conference

Conservative conference: Politicians have condemned the banner, under which two effigies were seen hanging from the bridge.
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A ‘hang the Tories’ banner seen on a Manchester bridge ahead of the Conservative party conference has caused outrage.

Michael Fabricant, Tory MP for Lichfield, shared an image of the sign as members arrived for their annual conference in the city.

Under the bridge, two effigies that appeared to be wearing suits were seen hanging from ropes.

The banner and effigies sparked outrage, with politicians and other social media users speaking out to condemn them.

It comes as major anti-Brexit and anti-austerity protests are expected in the city during the conference.

Mr Fabricant wrote on Twitter: “What a charming welcome to Manchester and the Conservative Party Conference. These aren't protesters, they’re fascists.”

MPs from other political parties also moved to condemn the sign, with Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner saying she was “disgusted” by what was written.

She added: “Those that do this let Manchester down.”

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said of the sign: "This is just wrong. We will always protect the right to protest but never to threaten, abuse or incite violence. It should come down."

Liz Rawlings, producer of the BBC’s Daily Politics, also posted an image of the sign on twitter under the caption: “People who do things like this add absolutely nothing to political debate. Disagree with policies, sure. Make those arguments. Urgh.”

It was not immediately clear who was responsible.

Protests in the northern city are expected, which have been organised by anti-Brexit and anti-austerity activists, amid reports that 50,000 are to attend.

Around 1,000 extra police will be drafted as part a £2m operation during the conference, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Chief superintendent John O’Hare acknowledged that two “particularly large” protests are to take place on Sunday.

He added: “We have been really clear with protesters to say we are here to facilitate lawful, peaceful protest and will be doing everything can so they can exercise their right to free speech, to protest and express their opinion.

"But with that comes a degree of responsibility. There is a line between what’s acceptable and what’s not acceptable.

"When that line is crossed and it becomes more intimidatory behaviour and people are in fear or oppressed then at that point we will take action.”

Sir Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat leader, is among those expected to attend the pro-EU rally in city centre.

“I believe it would be a healthy exercise in democracy to participate in a peaceful, dignified protest on the big issue of the day by marching,” he told the Independent.

“And the issues don’t come any bigger than Brexit – which is why I will be addressing marchers protesting at the Conservative conference in Manchester this weekend.”

Tory ministers will gather for the start of the annual conference on Sunday, with Prime Minister Theresa May arriving in Manchester earlier on Saturday.

Britain's EU divorce deal and the scope of any post-withdrawal transition period looks set to dominate the gathering.

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