Hundreds of Britain First supporters set off flares as they marched through Birmingham on Saturday, carrying Union and St George flags while chanting 'Engerland'. The far-right demonstration was met with fierce resistance from counter-protesters in Victoria Square.
March route and police response
The group was turned away from heading up Pinfold Street towards Victoria Square and returned to the Hill Street area. Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Burton, who led the policing operation, thanked the public for their patience. 'We have balanced the rights and concerns of the community with the need to facilitate protest, and those who came to protest have been able to exercise that right,' she said.
Political reactions
Paul Golding, leader of Britain First, claimed Birmingham was 'our city' and called for 'millions of foreigners deported'. He said people 'want their country back' and 'had had enough of being treated like second-class citizens'.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, stated Britain First was 'not welcome' in Birmingham, as residents did not share their 'divisive and dangerous rhetoric'. The joint leaders of the Liberal Democrats, Greens and Better Birmingham Independents said in a 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.'
Counter-protest
Opposition came from various groups and members of the public who gathered in Victoria Square. Some carried placards accusing Britain First supporters of dressing their racism up as patriotism.
