Birmingham Rallies for Major Anti-Racism March in London

Communities and trade unions across Birmingham are coming together for a major anti-racism demonstration in London on March 28, 2026.

Six coaches have already been booked from Birmingham, with more expected in the coming days.

Groups from across the city are preparing to join the Together Against the Far-Right demonstration, which has been described as one of the largest anti-racist mobilisations in recent years.

More than 125 coaches are expected to travel from across the UK, while over 450 organisations have backed the rally.

The demonstration, organised by the Together Alliance and supported by multiple unions and community groups, aims to send a clear message of unity.

Campaigners insist communities across Britain remain committed to resisting division.

Recent rhetoric from right-wing politicians and commentators has singled out Birmingham. However, activists argue the city’s lived reality tells a different story.

John Cooper, a member of Stand Up To Racism and one of the coach organisers, said:

“Birmingham’s diversity shows that multicultural communities can live and thrive together and that’s why the far right targets it.

“On 28 March, we’ll show racism and division have no place in our city, and no place in our society.”

Lakshnie Hettihewa, who is organising the Birmingham bloc, emphasised the importance of collective action:

“In troubling times like these, we need to show up together and in coalition to be clear that the far right does not represent us or our communities.

“That’s why we are marching together on the 28th to show our solidarity and commitment to being a city interested in liberation not oppression.”

Trade unions are also playing a central role in the mobilisation. Representatives say the demonstration reflects everyday solidarity seen across Birmingham’s communities.

Kate Taylor from the National Education Union said: “The far right calls Birmingham ‘broken’, but every day we see people from different backgrounds standing together, supporting each other and fighting for a better future.

“That’s the Birmingham we’re proud to represent.”

Tracy Abrahams, from Women Against the Far Right and a PCS Committee member, added:

“I am marching because I am sick of people trying to divide our communities and weaponise violence against women and girls to promote racism.

“We have to stand in solidarity with all who are being targeted. I am a proud adopted Brummie and I love being in a community that sticks together.”

Campaigners believe a strong turnout from Birmingham will challenge negative portrayals of the city. They point to its long history of anti-racist activism and community solidarity.

Concerns about rising hate incidents have also driven participation. Activists warn that recent attacks form part of a broader pattern rather than isolated cases.

Shirin Housee from Birmingham Black Sisters said:

“I am outraged at the recent rise in racist attacks in the West Midlands.”

“The racial hatred we are witnessing, from verbal harassment, to physical assaults, to the most horrific sexual violence are not isolated incidents, they are part of a wider pattern of racism, driven by divisive fear-mongering politicians.”

Community leaders stress that unity across different groups remains essential. They argue that tackling racism requires coordinated action from trade unions, grassroots organisations and local communities.

Sheera Johan, president of the Indian Workers Association, said:

“The fight against racism can only be won with the unity of all the progressive forces coming together.”

Jagwant Johal, from Birmingham Race Impact Group, added:

“To become an anti-racist city, we must defend our communities against racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, fascism and anti-Black racism, forces that seek to divide us.

“We stand united. That’s why we will join the national demonstration to represent our diverse city.”

The Birmingham organisations attending the demonstration include: Stand Up To Racism Birmingham, Birmingham NEU, UNISON Birmingham, Birmingham Friends of the Earth, Birmingham Race Impact Group, BRAP, Unite The People, Women Against The Far Right, Brummies United Against Racism, Brum Together, Indian Workers Association, Kings Heath United Against Racism, Birmingham Black Sisters, Climate Justice Coalition, Birmingham Stop the War Coalition, Birmingham Trades Union Council, Unite South Birmingham Branch, Peace Hub, Extinction Rebellion Birmingham.

For more information on coaches from Birmingham to London, visit Eventbrite.