Before the sun even had a chance to rise, the streets of Manchester witnessed a dramatic scene—one that left many questioning the city’s treatment of its most vulnerable.
Bailiffs, acting under orders from the Manchester City Council, descended on a makeshift homeless camp outside the town hall, ordering people to leave as their tents were thrown into bin lorries.
The early morning crackdown, which took place in St Peter’s Square, was met with both protests and shock, reigniting a long-standing debate about the handling of homelessness and refugee support in the UK.
Homeless Camp Torn Down
The encampment, often referred to as the ‘red tent camp,’ had become a fixture in Manchester, providing temporary shelter for dozens of people—many of whom are refugees.
Around 6:45 a.m., authorities moved in, handing plastic bags to residents for their belongings before dismantling their makeshift homes.
In the pouring rain, bailiffs knocked on tents, urging people to vacate, while others were left scrambling to gather what little they had before their shelters were tossed into garbage trucks.
A video capturing the moment spread quickly, showing the distressing sight of abandoned tents being dragged away and personal items scattered across the pavement.
Activists arrived on the scene, attempting to intervene and offer support, but the eviction proceeded regardless.
A Familiar Pattern of Forced Removals
This isn’t the first time such an eviction has sparked public outrage.
Similar incidents have unfolded in cities like London, where authorities have been filmed clearing ‘tent cities’ under court orders.
A particularly controversial case occurred in the winter of 2023, when Metropolitan Police oversaw the removal of a 70-year-old homeless man’s tent.
His belongings were destroyed on a freezing night, prompting an eventual apology from the force.
The parallels between these incidents highlight an ongoing struggle between government policies and the rights of homeless individuals.
Council Defends Actions Amid Public Backlash
Manchester City Council had previously obtained a possession order from the courts, granting them legal authority to clear the encampment.
Officials defended their decision, insisting that residents were given the option to take their tents with them and that only abandoned shelters were discarded.
A council spokesperson stated: “We want to stress in the strongest possible terms that help is available for any Manchester resident facing homelessness.
Our services, alongside community organizations, work hard to provide support.”
Despite this, many feel the eviction lacked compassion.
Protesters and local residents condemned the move, describing it as ‘disgusting’ and ‘inhumane.’
Voices from the Ground
For those forced out of the encampment, the situation remains dire.
Temesgn Petros, a 45-year-old refugee from Ethiopia, expressed frustration: “They explain nothing. They give us nothing. How are we meant to look towards a good future?”
Similarly, 30-year-old Modsher Mohammed from Sudan and 46-year-old Omar Osman from Eritrea questioned the lack of support: “Where are the human beings? They say work. How can I work if I do not have a house?”
Many of those evicted have since set up camp outside the Midland Hotel, mere meters from the original site, underscoring the cyclical nature of such displacements.
Legal Battles and Uncertain Futures
Efforts to block the eviction through legal action were unsuccessful.
The Greater Manchester Law Centre had challenged the council’s possession order, but the case was dismissed.
While one asylum seeker had his claim withdrawn, dozens of others were left without representation, forced to defend themselves in court.
Judge Nigel Bird ruled that St Peter’s Square, as a public space, must remain accessible to all, stating that those affected were part of the housing system and would be supported.
However, many on the ground argue that this support is insufficient, leaving people with nowhere else to go.
What Comes Next?
The eviction of the red tent camp is just the latest chapter in an ongoing struggle over homelessness in the UK.
As the displaced individuals seek shelter elsewhere, the core issue remains unresolved.
Advocacy groups continue to push for more humane solutions, while councils defend their actions as necessary for maintaining public spaces.
With winter approaching and homelessness rates rising, the conversation is far from over.
Will authorities find a better way to address the crisis, or will these forced removals continue to be the norm?
For those living on the streets, the fight for dignity and stability goes on.