Stand Up To Racism has announced a significant counter-protest outside Reform UK’s upcoming party conference at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, scheduled from September 3 to 5. The organisation condemns the decision to host Jordan Bardella, president of the French National Rally (RN), whom it labels as a figure from a party rife with fascists and racists.
Protests Against Farage's Platform
The demonstration aims to challenge Nigel Farage’s Reform UK for providing a platform to Bardella and his party. Stand Up To Racism points to recent municipal elections in March, where hundreds of National Rally candidates were reportedly exposed for connections to street fascist groups, racist comments, and hate speech. One candidate was even photographed wearing a Nazi cap adorned with a swastika.
Bob Moloney, chair of Stand Up To Racism Birmingham, emphasised the group’s stance: “We are protesting at the Reform UK conference because we don’t regard Reform UK as a legitimate mainstream party. It is a far right party. That is underlined by Jordan Bardella, president of National Rally, a party that has a fascist tradition, joining the conference. That is the message we will be taking to the Reform UK conference with our counter-protest.”
Accusations of Racism and Deportation Threats
Moloney further criticised Reform UK’s policies, saying, “They have called for mass deportations and that is a threat to a huge number of residents of UK and Birmingham. We won’t accept them. We regard them as a racist and anti-working class party.” The protest is expected to draw activists from across the region, aiming to disrupt the conference’s proceedings and highlight what they see as the party’s dangerous rhetoric.
Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism co-convenor, added a sharp rebuke: “Reform UK is down in the gutter. They have no real answers to the issues that plague working class people in Britain. We will oppose them on the streets of Birmingham. We won’t let Farage’s hate go unopposed.” Bennett’s comments underscore the group’s determination to mount a visible opposition during the conference.
Context of National Rally’s Controversies
The National Rally, previously known as the Front National, has a long history of far-right associations, including founder Jean-Marie Le Pen’s antisemitic remarks and the party’s ties to extremist elements. Bardella, who became party president in 2022, has attempted to moderate the party’s image but still faces criticism over its candidate selection and policy proposals. Stand Up To Racism’s protest highlights these lingering controversies.
This event marks the latest in a series of counter-protests by Stand Up To Racism against far-right gatherings in the UK. The group has previously mobilised against demonstrations by other extremist organisations, emphasising a commitment to anti-racism and community solidarity.
Impact on Birmingham and NEC Operations
The NEC, a major venue in the West Midlands, is expected to see increased security and potential disruptions. The protest is likely to draw hundreds of participants, with Stand Up To Racism coordinating with local police to ensure peaceful demonstration. The conference itself will feature speeches from Reform UK leaders and policy announcements, but the counter-protest aims to dominate media coverage and public attention.
Reform UK has not yet commented on the planned protest. Birmingham’s diverse community has responded with mixed reactions, with some residents supporting the protest and others viewing it as an infringement on political freedom. The event is set to be a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over far-right influence in British politics.
