Would you let your child go to Manchester today with the Palestine protests?

[SaturdayShop]

She is 14. Wants to go shopping

It's Armistice Day and also a large protest for Palestine is happening.

DH doesn't want her to go. He thinks it's going to be too busy.

Sorry title is misleading. Not with the protests, she just wants to go shopping with a friend.

Yes. It's easy to keep away from protests if you don't want to be involved.

There is a protest for peace and a ceremony commemorating the sacrifice required to obtain peace. Shouldn’t be any issues in my view, it’s humans expressing their desire to live peacefully.

Just don't go where the protest is.

As I'm in Manchester I am less worried.

Could she get on tram af picadilly and go trafford centre? Good shopping. No protest.

It would depend entirely on how well I knew my DD and her friend. If I thought for one second they might be actually going to the protest, then I'd be a no. Not because I disagree with the protest, but because I think it could get a bit hairy.

Just avoid the main square surely and go in and out by the tram? There's a large number of visitors to Manchester (or just outside to be correct) to watch Luton Town play 14 men at Old Trafford in any case.

Is it something she does regularly, does she know the city? It’s a peaceful protest in a large city, I would be inclined to let her go.

I'm with DH, while these thing might aim to be peaceful. There is always the risk that a bunch of hooligans will use it as a stage to cause violence. Better staying away from all of it.

That could spill over anywhere, train stations, bus stations disruption to services etc.

I don't even get why the organisers choose armistice day to hold their protests. What was wrong with last Saturday or next Saturday?

I'm worried about violence errupting. I know it's a peaceful protest but in large crowds there's always some idiots just out to cause a fight.

We live in Manchester so she can go any time!

Sugarfree23

I don't even get why the organisers choose armistice day to hold their protests. What was wrong with last Saturday or next Saturday?”

Most cities have been having protests every Saturday.
Calling for peace on Armistice Day seems very appropriate.

Bahaha. Not that many from Luton, sadly. Man U released a quite pathetic number of tickets to them... the cowards!

@Forsakenalmosthuman most of the Manchester United supporters are not from the area. When I went to a game as an away supporter (referee biased and sent off our goalkeeper) the only local accents were the stewards and catering staff.

After the game went to the tram stop, long queue for the tram towards Manchester, so went one stop in the Altrincham direction, crossed over to get the tram back. If all the fans were local, they'd know to do the same thing, there were only about ten others.

My teenager is in London with a scout group this weekend. I'm sure they will be fine but I'll be glad when they're on the train home on Sunday evening.
I'm not a worrier, I'm sure they will be fine. But there is also a bit of an edge to these protests that makes me nervous.

If your dd is familiar with the area and won't be going near the protests I'd let her go. But I'd be checking in every hour or so to make sure she's ok.

Op your DH is worried, your worried. I think you know in your heart the answer is a big fat no.

You don't need to justify wanting to keep your kid safe. Her and pal can go shopping next weekend (BTW I bet once her parents think about it they will think the same thing).

Is there a protest in Manchester today ? I thought lots of people had headed to London

If worried, look up the protest route and avoid.

Why does she want to go this weekend? Out of any weekend she could go she is choosing this weekend, when the protests are on.

Not a chance I would be letting my 14 year old DD go to London this weekend.

Good point. Forgot about the prawn sandwich brigade. I have never made it to Old Trafford but have heard it was just as you describe.

I live in Manchester. It will be fine. The protest won’t affect the main shopping areas to be honest. I’ve shopped and worked in Manchester on days when there’s been many a protest and it’s always fine.

If violence erupts, it will be a) among actual protestors and b) in a spot like Piccadilly Gardens or St Peter’s Square. Unless your daughter is planning on joining the protest, she won’t somehow get mixed up in a fight. They won’t be staging a battle in the Arndale or rampaging through Primark.

Anyone know what time the protest is happening? Can't find anything online other than the one in London and DD has to travel through Manchester at about 4pm so am a bit worried now.

I wouldn't let her. It may all be fine, but I think at least one of these protests is going to end in violence and people getting hurt. There is so much anger and hatred in the UK atm, best to stay away from it if you can.

No, of course not.

and i'm the one usually complaining about babyfication of youngsters.
didn't even have to think about this question.
definitely not.