Mukhtar Dar, a lifelong anti-racism campaigner who coordinated a mass counter protest in Birmingham against far-right group Britain First, has praised the hundreds who turned out to send a defiant message of unity. Dar, of Birmingham Stand Up to Racism and its cultural arm 'Unite the People', said he was proud of the city for 'rejecting division and hate'.
Counter Protest Organised After Britain First Rally Announcement
The counter demonstration was organised after Britain First, led by former BNP leader Paul Golding, announced it was holding a rally in the city centre to coincide with World Refugee Day. Up to 100 people, including right-wing bloggers, descended on the city and took a short march through the city centre, waving Union and St George's Cross flags and carrying a wooden Christian cross. But they were vastly outnumbered by the anti-racist protest.
Massive Police Operation to Keep Sides Apart
A massive police operation took place to keep the two sides apart. There were flashpoints as anti-racist protesters sought to break police lines, while some far-right activists and bloggers were surrounded by protesters when they headed to the square at the end of their rally. Police eventually dispersed the crowds, with four people arrested from the counter protest.
Mukhtar Dar: 'We Had to Be Here to Stand Up for Our City'
Speaking as crowds dispersed from Victoria Square following the four-hour counter protest, Dar said: "It was really important for us to be here today. It is a proud day." He told BirminghamLive that he had been determined to prevent a repeat of a similar rally last year, when the far-right group were allowed to take over the civic heart of the city and blast their messages out of loudspeakers in front of the Council House. He said it was 'horrific' that the group was 'weaponising' recent shocking murders, including the killing of Henry Nowak, to 'divide our community'. "We had to be here to stand up for our city, one that has welcomed migrants to our city, that was built off the backs of migrants."
Unity Across Communities
Dar added: "The Irish, the Polish, south Asians, those from the African and Caribbean diaspora, we all came together to build this global city and we are proud of it. They (Britain First) offer nothing but division and hatred...their leader Paul Golding purposely goes out into diverse communities to cause trouble and we had to be here today to counter them." He said the last visit by Britain First, last year, had seen them controversially take over Victoria Square while a counter protest was kept at bay in a side street. This time the roles were reversed, as it should be, he said.
Condemning Racist Incitement
"Their leadership has previously spoken of being at war with the Muslim community. That is racist incitement. Another has said that black people cannot be British. We cannot allow this hate to persist. We came out today to show we stand together, we have far more in common." He added: "The far right blame the weakest, the most vulnerable, rather than the system that creates this...we came out together, black, white, Asian, no matter what your faith, and none, gay, trans, whatever, we all need to come together because fascism is growing. It is growing right across Europe and it's really important we build a united front."
Response to Arrests and Troublemakers
Asked about incidents which saw anti-racism protesters engaged in aggression and confrontation with the line of police keeping the two sides apart, Dar said: "There has been largely a great, carnival atmosphere, a peaceful, disciplined event and we drowned them (the far right) out. There were around 800 of us, and about 100 or so of them. We did our city proud. Obviously there were some...troublemakers there trying to break the police ranks, there will always be some people who are going to get emotional and get frustrated and there were a couple of arrests. We had legal observers as well to make sure from our side everyone was safe. But our intention is always to have a peaceful mobilisation and unite as many people as possible and show we do not welcome racists to this great, wonderful city of ours."
No Call for Ban on Britain First
Despite the huge policing costs involved in the operation, Dar said he did not back an all-out ban or silencing of organisations like Britain First. "I think they should be allowed to come, and we should be allowed to counter their argument. There is a lot of frustration in the country because of austerity, cutbacks, people losing services, so the easiest solution is to scapegoat, which is what populism does. We have to win the argument, we have to claim the narrative and counteract their arguments."
Councillor: 'We All Get On Here'
Birmingham Liberal Democrat councillor Izzy Knowles was at the rally and is part of the Brummies United Against Racism and Hate Crime movement. She said: "Birmingham is a proud city literally built on migration. We were the first city to sign up to be a City of Sanctuary. Birmingham is a diverse area and it's why I love it so much, we have so many people of all backgrounds and we all get on. Come to my area of Moseley and see all the different restaurants and the community organisations we have and it's amazing. The message being sent by Britain First is not one we agree with...we reject what they are about."
Anti-Racism Campaigner: 'Humiliating' for Britain First
Anti-racism campaigner John Cooper described the day as 'humiliating' for Britain First, outnumbered by those opposing their right-wing anti-migrant rhetoric.
Unite the People Coordinator: 'We Will Stand Strong Together'
Unite the People coordinator 'Shiz', 65, said she was horrified that fascists were allowed to come into the heart of Birmingham and spread their messages. "We wanted to share our own messages. We will not allow people to shout their hate and misogyny in our faces, we will stand strong together." She added: "It is scary to come to a demo like this. As a brown-faced, small woman, it can be scary... but we know it's important. If our presence gives confidence to others who are feeling fearful then we have to do it, even if we are putting our own security at risk. Together we are stronger."
Woodcraft Folk: Young People 'Too Frightened' to Attend
Marcus Belbem is a group leader for Woodcraft Folk, a left-wing youth movement in the city. He said many young people he works with were 'too frightened' to attend the rally. "We started as a youth movement 100 years ago fighting fascism. I think it's really important that young people have their voices heard. More would be with us today but they were frightened to come, on their streets in Birmingham, which I find absolutely terrifying." Woodcraft Folk member Louis said he was at the event to 'reject fascism', while Shilo said there was 'no reason to hate'. "Organisations like Britain First are trying to blame other cultures for problems. Racism is not winning here. There are lots of people worrying about Reform and the far right...but I think it's a moral panic, we are stronger than the racists."
New Councillor: 'Strong Message to the Whole Country'
New city councillor Harris Khaliq, leader of the Better Birmingham Independents, praised the buzzing atmosphere. "People are out to say no to hatred, not to fascists, no to racists and I'm overwhelmed to see all these people here." He added: "It sends a strong message to the whole country. We need unity, and to stand together, and not to be divided by people who push an agenda that everything is to blame on migrants and the boats. People have woken up and...have come out in their masses to say this loud and proud."
Deputy Cabinet Member: 'Britain First Not Welcome'
Cllr Jamil Khan, the council's deputy cabinet member for community safety, spent the morning in the police control room monitoring the operation and the different groups. "We are here to tell Britain First you are not welcome here. We love our city and we don't want fascists to come here."
