Counter Protests in Birmingham Challenge Far-Right Activity and Call for Unity

This weekend, there were two counter demonstrations against the far right in Birmingham.

The first was against Raise the Colours Kingstanding at the Ramada hotel in Sutton Coldfield, where migrants are housed. Previously, other fascist organisations, Britain First and Patriotic Alternative, have been at protests there. Two migrants and a security guard from the hotel have been assaulted.

There were around 40 people attending with Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) and approximately 20 individuals from far-right groups. Tensions escalated during the protest, and concerns were raised about the policing of the situation, as opposing groups came into close contact. Some individuals behaved in a confrontational manner, shouting, filming at close range, and attempting to provoke altercations. During the incident, one Asian man was pushed to the ground and sustained a head injury, requiring hospital treatment. Another young man was injured after being kicked in the legs and also sought medical attention.

A formal complaint has been made to the police about their approach, and a crime has been reported.

The events at the Ramada show the true face of the far right – violent, divisive and spreading hate. We are working with those who attended the counter-protest to consider our next steps to build unity in the local area.

The next counter protest was against fascist Nick Tenconi and UKIP, who were holding a “Christian march” in Alum Rock, a mainly Muslim area of Birmingham. SUTR, along with local Muslim and Christian faith groups, held a united peaceful rally to oppose them. We chanted slogans as they went past and partially obstructed them when they returned to the starting point. The day was very constructive, forging better links between SUTR and the local faith groups.

The growth of the far right presents a threat to all of us. We need to build a bigger anti racist movement to stop them from marching in our communities and spreading fear and hate at hotels such as the Ramada. That movement needs to be based on unity between all those who oppose the far right.

Stand Up To Racism, Women Against the Far Right, Midlands TUC, NEU and others have called a Unity Rally on International Women’s Day on 8 March, 12.00 Victoria Square.

The Together Alliance demonstration on 28 March is seeing tens of thousands being mobilised to stop the far right.

Join us to build anti racist unity!