Harry Leach, a senior reporter, spent five hours among Britain First supporters during a march through Birmingham city centre on Saturday. The experience left him feeling depressed and 'icky', as he witnessed casual racism and the exploitation of a teenager's murder for political gain.
Chants and Racist Slurs
The protest began with a murmur outside Grosvenor Casino, quickly escalating into chants of 'Send them back!' and 'Deport the lot!'. Leach noted that while immigration is a legitimate political issue, the rhetoric he heard went far beyond policy debate. One teenager casually used a racist slur in conversation, and no one around him flinched. Many attendees were not from Birmingham, yet they called for hatred and division in the diverse city.
Exploitation of Tragedy
Britain First leader Paul Golding repeatedly invoked the memory of murdered teenager Henry Nowak, despite his family's wishes to the contrary. Leach described Golding's speech as 'grotesque', where he referred to counter-protesters as 'smelly' for carrying a Pride flag, prompting homophobic comments from supporters.
Counter-Protests and Police Action
Counter-protesters gathered in Victoria Square, with Simon Bennett of the National Education Union in Solihull stating, 'Birmingham is a multicultural city and they're trying to get people turning against one another.' Police maintained lines between the two groups, making at least four arrests, including three women for assaulting police. Despite pockets of violence, the majority on both sides remained non-violent.
Aftermath and Reflection
As the crowds dispersed, a dozen Britain First supporters tried to provoke counter-protesters, but police escorted them away. Leach concluded that while Birmingham returned to normal, the experience of hearing such hatred up close left a lasting impression on him.
