'Birmingham United Will Never Be Defeated': Hundreds Rally Against Britain First

Birmingham stood firm with a powerful show of strength from a broad coalition of anti-racist organisations, led by Stand Up To Racism, on Saturday, 20 June, in opposition to Britain First. The coalition brought together trade unions, community organisations, faith groups and residents in a united demonstration against racism and fascism. Britain First had deliberately chosen Birmingham for its demonstration because it coincided with National Refugee Day, prompting the city to respond with an even stronger display of solidarity, diversity and resistance.

The demonstration brought together people from across Birmingham's diverse communities, united by a shared message: the city belongs to everyone who calls it home.

Ranjit Sondhi, Chair of BRIG, reflected on the significance of the turnout and the long history of anti-racist organising in the city.

"We were very much part of the broad-based alliance that has brought this demonstration about in opposition to the racist and fascist parties.

We have been fighting racism in this city for the last 70 years ever since post-war Britain brought in workers from the colonies. We put so much into this city. It is our city, and we say to Britain First, it's our Britain too.

I'm feeling really positive. We have turned out in large numbers across the board. We have people here from all backgrounds. One very important thing to remember is that we are united across racial, religious and class lines."

The demonstration highlighted the breadth of support for Birmingham's anti-racist movement, with trade unions playing a visible role throughout the day.

Bobbie from SWP, one of the demonstrators, said the strong turnout reflected the city's determination to stand together.

"I'm here standing in unity with the residents of Birmingham – feeling energised by the number of people that we have on our side. We have representation of unions, which is really good for our city to show we stand together as workers against the far right."

She also spoke candidly about the fears many people are experiencing amid rising tensions and racist violence elsewhere in the UK.

"I am feeling anxious. Sometimes when I read the papers and hear about the pogroms going on in Belfast and elsewhere, it does make me almost scared to live in this country at the moment, not knowing what's going to come next, especially as a Black woman. I'm thinking of my friends, family, my students and my colleagues, and what we're going to experience in the near future. We need to come together and do something about it."

For long-time activist and Banner Theatre member Dave Rogers, the event represented Birmingham at its best.

"There's a lot of new faces here. A lot of young people, a real buzz. For me this is what Birmingham stands for. Birmingham is a city of immigrants. We should celebrate that. This is the diversity of Birmingham – it's a brilliant thing. We should really treasure that."

Dr Anthony (Abdul Haqq) Baker - a pioneer at the intersection of faith, race and equality said:

"When we see far-right fascism and what they’re trying to do, it is not reflective of who we are; it is not reflective of our history. So, when they want to say ‘we want to get our country back’ – no, our country is where it’s supposed to be. We are here; we are supposed to be....The politics of fear is failing."

The rally concluded with speeches calling for continued solidarity and collective action against the far right.

Shirin Housee, speaking on behalf of Unite the People, Birmingham Black Sisters and Women Together, drew on the history of anti-fascist movements while urging people to continue organising together.

"The people united will never be defeated. Birmingham united will never be defeated.

We have no choice but to unite. I have found strength by seeing all of you. We have no choice but to come to anti-fascist demonstrations. We have to show the world, no matter what colour, what gender, we've got to be here because we're not going to let this country – which is my country, my kids' country, your kids' country – this is our community.

Fascism will be defeated in my lifetime. Together we can do it, and we will do it. We're not going anywhere. We're not running. Let us grow, let us unite, we will fight fascism."

As the crowds dispersed, the prevailing message from the day was one of hope, solidarity and determination. Participants said Birmingham's strength lies in its diversity and that attempts to divide its communities would be met with a united response.

Photo credit: Kevin Hayes.