Neo-Nazi group celebration ends without charges

Nine members of the neo-Nazi group British Movement who were arrested after celebrating Hitler's birthday in an Oldham pub will face no criminal charges, the Manchester Evening News can reveal. The group gathered at the Duke of Edinburgh pub in Royton on April 19 last year, unfurling swastika flags and posing with a cake decorated with the Nazi symbol. Video footage showed men holding flags emblazoned with swastikas, SS bolts and the Iron Cross before quickly hiding them away.

Greater Manchester Police launched a ten-month investigation following our exclusive report, conducting dawn raids across Oldham, Rochdale, Bolton, Urmston and Southport on May 7. Officers recovered an arsenal of replica weapons including an imitation AK47 rifle, a suspected grenade, a crossbow, fake handguns and ammunition. A Nazi-era 'Zyklon' gas canister-the poison used in Holocaust gas chambers-was also found, though police confirmed it was not viable.

Despite the disturbing finds, investigators concluded there was insufficient evidence to prosecute under the Public Order Act for stirring up racial hatred. All nine suspects, who had been released on bail under strict conditions, have now been told no further action will be taken. The force admitted that while the conduct was 'extremely concerning', it did not amount to a criminal offence.

Oldham West MP Jim McMahon expressed outrage at the group's 'blatant and extremely concerning' conduct, calling the celebration 'an affront to those from the borough who gave their lives to fight the Nazis'. Hope Not Hate criticised the decision, saying it suggested British Movement 'continues to operate with apparent impunity'. The group recently described Hitler as 'far too moderate', highlighting the extreme nature of their ideology.