Police have issued a warning to protestors from a far-right group and those planning to take part in a counter-rally set for Birmingham this weekend. West Midlands Police have said they will 'treat everybody fairly' ahead of the gathering, but anyone that oversteps the mark will face the full force of the law.
Britain First protestors are scheduled to gather in the city centre near Birmingham New Street Station, outside Grosvenor Casino on Hill Street, on Saturday, June 20, at midday. Counter groups, including Birmingham Stand Up To Racism and Stop Fascist Britain First, are set to meet at nearby Victoria Square from 11am to 4pm.
Britain First has organised the meet-up, citing the murder of Henry Nowak in Southampton in December last year and the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie, 44, in Belfast earlier this June. Meanwhile, Birmingham Stand Up To Racism stated that Birmingham is 'proudly diverse' and declared that 'fascists are not welcome here'.
Police Preparedness
West Midlands Police is gearing up for the two rival protests by increasing police numbers in the city centre and said it will allow the right to protest. However, as soon as any protestor 'crosses into criminality', they will be 'dealt with appropriately'. Visitors to Birmingham have been told to expect an increased police presence. The police have emphasised that their primary duty will be to 'protect the public from harm'.
A spokesperson for the force said: 'With protests scheduled in Birmingham on Saturday (June 20), West Midlands Police have a planned operation in place which will see an increased policing presence across the city centre. We are expecting a significant number of protestors and counter-protestors in the city centre on Saturday. Our priority is public safety; we will facilitate peaceful demonstration but will intervene appropriately should any behaviour constitute criminality.'
The spokesperson added: 'Our plans for the protests on Saturday have been put into place based on intelligence, engagement with organisers, local businesses, and community feedback. We have worked closely with our local authority and highways colleagues to try and minimise any wider disruption to the city centre, including businesses and the transport network.'
Senior Officer's Statement
Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Burton said: 'Our officers police without fear or favour, which means we uphold the law impartially and treat everybody fairly. We want to reassure all local communities that we understand how events such as those taking place this weekend could cause genuine fear and anxiety. Our primary job is to protect the public from harm, and whilst we are legally obliged to facilitate people's rights to protest, we are clear that any behaviour or speech that crosses into criminality will be dealt with appropriately.'
Burton continued: 'West Midlands Police is experienced in policing large gatherings, including protests, and significant resources are in place as we work alongside our city partners to ensure local people, businesses, and visitors can go about their day with minimum disruption. Local officers will be on hand to help as usual in the city centre, and I would urge anyone with concerns about this weekend to speak to them.'
