Birmingham Councillors Unite Against Hate — As Reform Stands Apart

Newly elected Birmingham councillors from across the political divide stood shoulder-to-shoulder outside the Council House yesterday, in a public show of solidarity against racism and division — with one notable exception: Reform councillors.

Following Birmingham’s first full council meeting since the local elections, councillors from multiple parties joined the Brummies United Against Racism and Hate Crime campaign, holding the organisation’s posters on the steps of the Council House in a powerful demonstration of unity.

The show of solidarity comes amid growing concern over rising racist incidents, deepening tensions in communities across the city, and serious allegations of intimidation linked to the far-right group 'Raise The Colours' following violent scenes in Stirchley last week, where a man was left hospitalised.

Campaigners say the moment marked a clear dividing line in Birmingham's politics: those prepared to stand publicly against hate, and those unwilling to do so.

Mus Dar, co-founder of Brummies United Against Racism and Hate Crime, said:

“At a time when racist incidents are increasing, and many people in Birmingham are beginning to feel fearful and divided, this public show of unity matters.

Birmingham’s councillors come from different political traditions and disagree on many issues — but yesterday they sent a clear message that our city will not be torn apart by scapegoating, intimidation and hate.

Communities want leadership that brings people together and tackles the real issues affecting working people — poverty, housing, cuts to services and inequality — not politicians who blame migrants because they have no real solutions.

The fact that Reform councillors chose not to stand with the rest of the council speaks for itself.”

During the council meeting, Cllr Izzy Knowles presented a petition signed by more than 4,500 residents calling for the urgent removal of divisive flags from Birmingham streets.

Campaigners argue that the country's flag has been hijacked by those who seek to sow hatred and division.

Cllr Izzy Knowles said:

"Yesterday I presented an additional 2000 signatures to add to the petition, originally submitted in January this year, to remove divisive flags from lamp posts and to take action against the persons putting them up unlawfully and without permission. Following the incident last week in Stirchley where someone was seriously hurt, I called on the council to escalate their programme of removal.

The actions and language of the group Raise the Colours are not patriotic, it is intimidating and threatening to many people.

It’s an unnecessary drain on both council and police resources, and is not in the best interests of the communities of Birmingham.

Last night, Councillors cross party came together to support the campaign of Brummies United and to condemn the use of our national flag as a symbol of division."

Cllr Julian Pritchard, leader of the Birmingham Greens group, said:

"Birmingham Greens continue to stand in full support of the Birmingham United Against Racism and Hate campaign.

The events of last week show how important it is that we stand against division, intimidation and violence and make every effort to bring our communities together.

We will continue to push for robust responses to those who seek to intimidate and divide our communities. We will always work to support our communities and seek to bring people and communities together."

Harris Khaliq from Better Birmingham Independent Group said:

"Racism and discrimination in any form have no place in our city.

We are committed to supporting Brummies United Against Racism and Hate Crime and their endeavours to unite Brummies. Recently, we have seen how our national flag has been hijacked by those who seek to create division amongst our communities.

Birmingham’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths and what makes it such a vibrant place to live.

We will work to ensure everyone in our city feels they belong and to tackle systematic racism so that everyone is treated fairly and has equal opportunities to succeed.”