Police warn of disruption due to protests

West Midlands Police have warned of potential traffic disruption in Birmingham, as rival protesters rally in the city centre.

About 200 people supporting Britain First gathered from about 12:00 BST, kept apart by police from a further 100 counter protesters.

West Midlands Police said there was a planned operation to cover the demonstrations.

"We 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," the force said in a statement.

A live stream by the far-right group on X showed a crowd standing outside Birmingham New Street Station holding British and English flags.

After a claxon sounded, the crowd was seen to walk through the city, letting off red and white smoke flares and chanting the party's name, as well as that of Tommy Robinson, who founded the English Defence League.

Robinson himself is not at the protest, but reposted a video of the scene.

The group marched to the council house steps, kept apart from the nearby rival protesters.

The counter-protest was organised by Stand Up to Racism Birmingham.

A statement by the organisation said: "Birmingham belongs to all of us.
We will not allow hate to march unchecked through our streets."

It was signed by dozens of people and organisations, including MP Zarah Sultana.

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