Four people were arrested as massed lines of officers kept rival far-right and anti-racist protesters apart during a day of tension in Birmingham city centre. All those detained were part of a large counter-demonstration staged in Victoria Square in response to a Britain First march and rally near New Street.
Police Operation
West Midlands Police said they kept the different groups apart to prevent disorder. The police ranks were repeatedly tested as pockets of youths confronted officers. Tempers frayed again when Britain First supporters marched nearby, waving England and Cross of St George flags and chanting 'Engerland'.
After the Britain First protest ended, some of its followers tried to gain access to Victoria Square. Nearby drinkers enjoying the sunny afternoon were ushered inside bars for their own protection.
Arrests
Two of those arrested were held on suspicion of assault, one on a police officer. A third was detained on suspicion of criminal damage and a fourth on suspicion of obstructing police. A police spokeswoman said: "Police remain in Birmingham city centre this afternoon, following a protest and counter-protest earlier today. Officers have been keeping the two protest groups apart as we continue to prevent disorder and keep the public safe."
Counter-Protests
Counter-protesters who were "kettled" in the Square attempted to break through. In exchanges witnessed by a reporter, some people ended up on the floor and had to be pulled to safety by officers amid chaotic scenes. While police dragged people off to waiting vans, young people—many wearing masks—pushed towards the police line.
Britain First Leader
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. He said before the march that Birmingham was 'our city' and he wanted 'millions of foreigners deported'. "We're taking over Birmingham today," said Mr Golding. "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."
Community Response
The message of hate was countered by several councillors and community figures at the counter-rally. Coun 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."
Birmingham City Council senior officials and West Midlands mayor Richard Parker had called on Britain First to stay out of the city. New council leader Roger Harmer and other cabinet members issued a joint statement: "Birmingham's diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and we are proud to be a place where people from all backgrounds, cultures and faiths live and work side by side. We stand firmly against hatred, division and the scapegoating of any community and in solidarity with all our diverse communities."
Mr Parker posted on X: "Britain First are protesting in Birmingham today. They are not welcome. The city—and our region—do not share their divisive and dangerous rhetoric."
