Green MP Hannah Spencer targeted by anti‑trans activists in Manchester

Green Party MP Hannah Spencer was escorted to safety by police on Sunday, 8 March after being aggressively confronted by anti‑trans activists during a rally in Manchester city centre. The incident, which unfolded in Piccadilly Gardens, came shortly after the newly elected Gorton and Denton MP addressed the launch of Greater Manchester’s Together Alliance, an anti‑far‑right coalition. 

Footage shared on social media showed two men following Spencer while holding placards declaring “There’s no such thing as a transgender child”. They repeatedly questioned her views on trans rights, including the provocative query: “Can a woman have a penis, Hannah?” - a line that has become a common slogan among anti‑trans campaigners. Her supporters attempted to shield her, but tensions escalated quickly as arguments broke out between members of the crowd. One confrontation turned physical, with punches exchanged before Greater Manchester Police intervened.

A second altercation followed moments later, involving one of the same men and a woman who had attempted to remove a placard. Police continued to break up further scuffles as the situation deteriorated. Spencer, who appeared visibly shaken, was then ushered into a waiting police car. The individual filming the incident reported that the MP appeared “scared” and asked whether she was all right.

A bunch of men attacking a woman in the name of womens rights. This is ridiculous.

Anti-Trans Gender Critical thugs attack and harras new green MP Hannah Spencer.

Shame on them. pic.twitter.com/vYvpc1Gs5Y

— Harry Eccles (@Heccles94) March 8, 2026

A Green Party spokesperson condemned the harassment, attributing the disruption to “a few angry men” who were attempting to “spread anti‑trans bigotry”. They highlighted the “bitter irony” of the attack taking place on International Women’s Day, noting that those claiming to “protect women” were instead targeting one of Parliament’s newest female MPs. The party also linked some of the abuse to misinformation circulated about Spencer by political opponents online. 

Spencer, who won February’s by‑election and became the Green Party’s first MP in the North of England, has been outspoken in her support for LGBTQ+ rights. She has previously criticised rising transphobia in the UK and has vowed to champion marginalised communities in Parliament.

Greater Manchester Police have not yet confirmed whether any arrests were made,