Anti-racist protestors in Birmingham did their cause no favours when they turned on the police during a counter-demonstration against a march by far-right group Britain First. The incident occurred on June 20 in Victoria Square, where around 800 counter-protestors gathered. While the majority protested peacefully, a faction surged towards police lines, shouting and pushing, leading to four counter-protestors facing criminal action for alleged assault on officers.
Confrontation Details
Witnesses described the scene as messy and frenzied. Protestors, many with masked faces, shouted 'Who protects the racists - the police protect the racists' at officers. The surge involved pushing, shoving, and loud amplified chants such as 'racist scum out of Brum'. Police reinforcements formed three lines and at one point drew batons amid fears of being overwhelmed. Order was eventually restored, but video footage emerged showing an officer appearing to push one protestor and punch a female protestor. West Midlands Police confirmed they are investigating the incident.
Peaceful Majority
Despite the flashpoints, the day was largely peaceful and uplifting. The majority of the crowd carried handmade banners promoting acceptance and diversity. Lifelong activists mingled with teenagers, faith leaders, trans campaigners, children, and people in wheelchairs. Speeches highlighted tolerance and Birmingham's diversity. Organiser Mukhtar Dar of Birmingham Stand Up to Racism expressed pride and argued against banning Britain First, stating, 'We have to win the argument, we have to claim the narrative and counteract their arguments.' He noted that frustration from austerity and cutbacks fuels scapegoating.
Far-Right Presence
Britain First demonstrators marched about 150 yards away, waving the Cross of St George and chanting anti-migrant slogans. Later, some of their 'auditors' appeared in Victoria Square, expressing wishes to push an anti-racist banner holder into a fountain and describing protestors as 'traitors'. One auditor denied that only white people can be English, then changed his mind, stating, 'Black people can be British, they can't be English though,' and advocated deporting millions of migrant families.
Impact and Reactions
The event forced road closures and a massive policing operation funded by taxpayers. While frustration with far-right views is understandable, turning on police undermines the anti-racist message. As one observer noted, 'It is completely understandable that counter-protestors wish to have a direct conversation with those whose views they wish to change, and are frustrated when they can't. But turning on the Police is not the answer.'
