Members of a far-right group gathered at a pub in Greater Manchester to mark Adolf Hitler’s birthday, an event that has sparked police investigations and condemnation from local officials.
On Saturday 23 April, individuals associated with the north west branch of the British Movement, a neo-Nazi organisation, assembled at the Duke of Edinburgh pub in Oldham. They brought flags featuring swastikas, SS bolts, and the Iron Cross, as well as a birthday cake decorated with a swastika emblem. Photographs shared on the British Movement Northern branch’s website and Telegram feed showed the group holding Nazi paraphernalia, with some images altered to include pictures of Adolf Hitler. CCTV footage from inside the pub captured the men unfurling their flags, then quickly concealing them.
The pub’s management company, Craft Union Pubs, stated that the venue was not aware of the nature of the gathering at the time, as the group concealed their clothing and activities during their visit. Once informed of the event, the operator immediately contacted Greater Manchester Police. In a statement to The Independent, Craft Union Pubs expressed being "absolutely appalled" by the incident, emphasising that such behaviour would not be tolerated and that those responsible were unwelcome at their venues. They also highlighted their commitment to supporting the local community and their staff, who were described as "incredibly distressed" by the incident.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they are investigating whether the incident constitutes a public order offence connected to material intended to incite racial hatred. A spokesperson said: "Police in Oldham are investigating reports that a group attended a pub on Market Street in Royton in possession of Nazi memorabilia," and assured the matter was being handled with "utmost sensitivity and severity."
Jim McMahon, Member of Parliament for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, condemned the celebration, describing it as “a disgraceful insult to the memory of the nearly 100 local men who died fighting Nazism.” Speaking on X (formerly Twitter), he said: "This vile display is a stark reminder that the threat of the far right is real. Glorifying an ideology responsible for the deaths of millions has no place in our community. These acts of hate and division must always be called out and rooted out."
According to a post on the British Movement Northern Region’s website, the group referred to the gathering as a celebration of the “136th birthday of Uncle A,” describing the event as a social occasion with drinks and birthday cake in the “dimly lit interior of the Oldham boozer.”
The Independent is reporting on the ongoing investigation into the event, which remains under review by local authorities.
Source: Noah Wire Services