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An aerial photo of Victoria Square in Birmingham city centre(Image: West Midlands Growth Company)<\/p>\nHundreds attend Britain First rally and counter protest in Birmingham city centre with the right wing group able to access Victoria Square despite being refused accessAn aerial photo of Victoria Square in Birmingham city centre(Image: West Midlands Growth Company)<\/p>\n
Hundreds of Britain First supporters held a march and rally in the centre of Birmingham<\/a> despite the city council refusing access to a main square and a counter protest nearby.<\/p>\n Supporters of the right wing political party gathered at the junction of Hill Street and Navigation Street at midday.<\/p>\n They then marched toward New Street Station, along Lower Temple Street, and back along New Street, with counter protesters seen close by.<\/p>\n The protestors marched into Victoria Square<\/a> where a stage and video screen had been set up, despite Birmingham City Council<\/a> saying the protestors would not be welcome and would not be allowed on the square<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read more: Birmingham City Council set to disrupt far right Britain First rally plan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n As the Britain First group had speakers, including its leader Paul Golding, address their audience on the upper level, counter protestors held their own rally on the lower level nearer New Street.<\/p>\n There was a heavy police presence and the two groups were largely kept apart save for shouting at each other.<\/p>\n Read more: Powerful message from Birmingham’s anti racists on day of far right ‘hate march’<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Birmingham City Council has refused to give vehicle access for Victoria Square to Britain First.<\/p>\n But despite the refusal, the group had set up a stage and screen and were able to hold their rally.<\/p>\n City council leader, Cllr John Cotton said: \u201cWe\u2019re investigating how Britain First accessed Victoria Square today as this is a serious breach of security.<\/p>\n Get breaking news on <\/strong>BirminghamLive WhatsApp<\/strong><\/a>, click the link to join<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis protest is incompatible with our commitments to equality, community cohesion and the promotion of British values.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is not what Birmingham and its citizens stand for.\u201d<\/p>\n Get the latest BirminghamLive news direct to your inbox<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The rally was wound up at around 2.30pm when the Britain First Group marched back to Hill Street where they dispersed.<\/p>\n It appeared to pass off without much incident. Earlier a West Midlands Police<\/a> spokesman said: \u201cWe have a long history of upholding the right to protest, while balancing it with the rights of others, to keep the public safe and prevent crime and disorder.\u201d<\/p>\n Following the protest a spokesman for the force added: \u201cThe planned demonstration and counter demonstration in Birmingham city centre<\/a> passed without significant incident. There were no arrests.\u201d<\/p>\n Birmingham Race Impact Group, a collaborative of people and organisations across the city united against racism posted a powerful message on Saturday.<\/p>\n