Far right group Britain First is set to march in Birmingham on Saturday, but anti-fascist and anti-racist groups are uniting to declare they are not welcome in the city. The planned rally, titled 'March for Remigration', aims to capitalise on recent high-profile incidents to push anti-migrant messages.
Police Operation Planned
West Midlands Police is preparing a major operation to maintain peace, with hundreds or potentially thousands of people expected on both sides in the city centre. Britain First, led by Paul Golding and formed by former BNP members, claims it will attract thousands to its rally.
Coalition of Resistance
A broad coalition of unions and anti-racist organisations intends to ensure the far right is met with resistance. The event coincides with World Refugee Day. The coalition stated: "Across Britain, an anti-migrant and anti-Muslim movement is becoming more visible and more violent... but the values of solidarity, tolerance and unity that have made Birmingham one of Britain's most diverse and resilient cities are worth defending."
Previous Incident
Last year, Britain First was allowed to march from New Street station to Victoria Square, triggering a furious row. Anti-racist protesters were 'kettled' by police, causing frustration. This year, community representatives have met police to confirm the counter-protest will take place in Victoria Square, while Britain First follows a pre-arranged route elsewhere.
Legal Framework
Such rallies are permitted under the Human Rights Act 1998, ensuring freedom of peaceful assembly, even for offensive views. They are heavily regulated to maintain public safety and prevent hate crimes. Police can arrest those inciting racial hatred or violence.
Who Are Britain First?
The group, formed after the BNP's collapse, is avowedly anti-migrant. Policies include deporting all asylum seekers who passed through safe nations, deporting foreign-born prisoners, halting family reunions, and assisting repatriation. It is also anti-LGBT, opposes vaccinations, and wants to ban the Human Rights Act while reintroducing compulsory Christian assembly in schools. Leader Paul Golding has a conviction for religiously-aggravated harassment, and his former co-leader Ashlea Simon claimed "English people can't be black."
