West Midlands Police have provided details on four arrests made during two protests in Birmingham city centre on June 20, 2026. The force estimated that just under 1,000 people participated in either the Britain First rally or a counter anti-racist demonstration.
Arrests and Charges
Four individuals were detained during the counter-protest. Police confirmed that two women, aged 27 and 28, were arrested on suspicion of assaulting police. A 42-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assaulting police and criminal damage, while a 28-year-old man was held on suspicion of obstructing police.
Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Burton, who led the police operation, stated: “Firstly I would like to thank the public for their patience, as we worked hard with our partners to keep everybody in the city centre safe. We have balanced the rights and concerns of the community with the need to facilitate protest, and those who came to protest have been able to exercise that right.”
Police Response and Investigation
Burton added: “We will continue to investigate any reported offences linked to the protests, and officers are reviewing video footage as enquiries continue. Officers have made several arrests today, ranging from assaulting police to criminal damage, and I thank colleagues for their hard work and dedication to public safety. We don’t underestimate the fear and anxiety that protests can cause to Birmingham’s communities, and officers remain in the city centre tonight and over the weekend to offer further reassurance.”
Britain First Rally
Britain First leader Paul Golding addressed his followers from a stage, invoking the memory of murdered teenager Henry Nowak despite the express wishes of his family. Before the march, Golding declared Birmingham as “our city” and called for “millions of foreigners deported.” He said: “We're taking over Birmingham today. This is our city, the second-largest city in England and today it belongs to the British people. We want our country back. We want millions of foreigners deported. We want to be the majority in our own country. We've had enough of being treated like second class citizens.”
Counter-Rally Response
The message of hate was countered by several councillors and community figures at the counter-rally. Councillor Izzy Knowles (Lib Dem, Moseley) said: “We all get on. You just have to come to my ward in Moseley to see the different restaurants. The message of division being spread by Britain First is not what we want to spread in Birmingham. We reject what they are about. I am here in solidarity with people who do not want to see their message.”
