"We, the people of this proud, diverse city, will not stay silent."
Anti-racist groups are preparing a mass counter-demonstration in Birmingham on May 17, 2025, in response to a planned rally by far-right hate group Britain First.
The group, founded by former British National Party members and led by convicted race-hate criminal Paul Golding, has announced plans to gather in the city centre to call for mass deportations.
They have explicitly stated they will avoid what they describe as “bad, multicultural areas” and instead assemble in Victoria Square, Birmingham’s central civic space.
The decision by West Midlands Police to allow Britain First to hold the event has sparked outrage.
Activists say the rally is not only a threat to public safety but also an affront to Birmingham’s identity as one of the UK’s most diverse and united cities.
They have questioned why a known fascist group is being permitted to assemble in a location that symbolises civic pride and multiculturalism.
The police have granted Britain First the right to march and rally, but have told anti-racist protesters they will only be allowed to assemble, not march.
On May 14, Birmingham City Council announced it would block vehicle access to Victoria Square to prevent the far-right group from setting up a stage.
The council cited the rally’s incompatibility with its commitments to equality and community cohesion. However, it cannot legally stop supporters from entering the area on foot.
Britain First leader Paul Golding has insisted the rally will go ahead and claimed “thousands” will attend, although a recent similar event in Nuneaton drew only around 100.
Organisations and prominent figures across the West Midlands, including Zarah Sultana MP, have signed a statement calling for a stop to the fascists marching in Birmingham and supporting the counter-demonstration.
Stand Up to Racism Birmingham, the group organising the counter-protest, has called on all communities to join them and reject the far-right presence.
They said in a statement: “We, the people of this proud, diverse city, will not stay silent.
“Stand Up to Racism Birmingham calls on everyone, trade unionists, students, anti-racists, LGBTQ+ communities, and all who believe in justice and equality, to join for a mass counter-demonstration, sign the statement, and show these hate-mongers that they are not welcome here.”
Campaigners have warned that the language used by Britain First echoes rhetoric linked to deadly attacks in the UK.
These include the murder of MP Jo Cox and the Finsbury Park mosque attack, both carried out by individuals aligned with far-right ideologies.
The group has a history of storming mosques, spreading Islamophobic conspiracy theories, attacking Black Lives Matter, and targeting migrants, LGBTQ+ people, trade unionists and progressive voices.
Ashlea Simon, co-leader of Britain First, has declared: “English people can’t be Black. English blood is white.”
Activists say this demonstrates the white supremacist ideology that defines the group’s message.
Britain First’s increasing visibility comes amid a broader rise in far-right influence across Europe and the United States.
The recent electoral gains by Reform UK have emboldened groups like Britain First, who see the mainstreaming of xenophobic narratives as an opportunity to grow.
Local and national leaders have denounced the rally.
Martin Hoare, President of Birmingham Trades Union Council, said: “Britain First poses a direct threat to trade unions, the labour movement, and every hard-won right we’ve achieved through collective struggle.
“This isn’t just about racism, it’s about protecting all workers from division and hate. We need unity more than ever.”
Bob Maloney, organiser with Stand Up to Racism Birmingham, added:
“This is a moment for all of us to stand together.”
“We must build a broad, united front to confront fascism wherever it rears its head. The fight against racism is the fight for democracy, justice, and a future worth living in.”
Mukhtar Dar, a founding member of the Asian Youth Movement and long-time anti-racist activist, said:
“As one of the founding members of the Asian Youth Movement, I remember when deportation threats and racist violence were part of daily life for our communities.
“We resisted then by uniting across colour, faith, and background—and we must do the same now. No one is safe until we are all safe.”
Kim Taylor, an LGBT socialist activist, said: “I’m opposed to Britain First coming to my hometown.
“I have shed sweat and tears fighting for my rights to exist as an out and proud genderfluid lesbian and have never been one to back down when it comes to not only defending myself, but other marginalised communities.”
The counter-demonstration is scheduled to begin at 11 am outside the Grosvenor Casino, opposite New Street Station.
Organisers stress the protest will be stewarded, safe, and peaceful, but intend to make a clear and vocal stand.
Loading ...