Hundreds Counter-Protest Britain First March in Birmingham

Hundreds gathered in Birmingham to counter-protest a Britain First march. Four arrests were made amid police efforts to keep groups apart. The march called for mass deportations, while city leaders condemned the group's rhetoric.

Counter-Protest in Birmingham City Centre

Hundreds of individuals assembled to conduct a counter-protest against a Britain First march held in Birmingham city centre.

Supporters of Britain First marched a short distance from New Street railway station, while a larger group of counter-protesters gathered nearby in Victoria Square.

Police can be seen to the side of a group of flag-carrying Britain First supporters. They are carrying Union flags and the cross of St George. — Britain First supporters waved flags as they walked from the city's railway station

Police Response and Arrests

West Midlands Police reported that four people were arrested on Saturday. Among those, three arrests were made from the counter-protest on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, with one individual held on suspicion of assault and another detained on suspicion of criminal damage. A fourth person was subsequently arrested for obstructing police officers.

The police force stated that a "significant" number of officers were deployed to manage the crowds.

At one point during the event, a small group of counter-protesters attempted to breach police lines. The force intervened to prevent this and reminded the groups that separation was maintained for public safety reasons.

"They were kept back and reminded that we are keeping the groups apart in the interests of public safety."

Britain First March and Messages

Britain First supporters, carrying flags, were observed releasing smoke flares and chanting anti-government slogans before their leader, Paul Golding, addressed the crowd from a stage.

Counter-protestors gathering in Victoria Square — Counter-protesters gathered in Victoria Square

The march, described as a "march for remigration," called for "mass deportations of foreigners," according to Golding's speech.

Official Reactions

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, stated that the group was unwelcome in the city, emphasizing that residents did not support their "divisive and dangerous rhetoric."

A joint statement from the leaders of the Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Better Birmingham Independents echoed the mayor's views.

"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,"

the statement said.

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