On 20th June Socialist Party members attended the counter‑protest to the planned Britain First demonstration in Victoria Square, Birmingham.
The people I spoke to who supported Britain First were not focused on abstract ideology. Their concerns were overwhelmingly economic and practical, centred on the belief that life is becoming harder for themselves and their families. Several themes kept coming up:
A recurring belief was that immigration is the main cause of these pressures. One man repeatedly asked counter‑protesters: “Do you know how many homes have been given to migrants?” That question stayed with me.
Having worked as a carer for many years, and having lived in shared rented houses with people from many backgrounds, I have personally known a lot of migrants. They include other carers, teachers, students, therapists, research scientists, hairdressers, radiographers and - and none were “given a house.”
I also have friends who came to Birmingham seeking asylum who placed in temporary accommodation, but not permanent housing, and they're certainly both working full time and paying market rent now. I’ve read estimates suggesting that a £30-40k taxpayer contributes around £120–£170 per year toward migrant‑related benefits.
If all immigration could be stopped, would that make goods homes and services cheaper for me? If not, who wants us to think it would, and why?
The counter‑protest was generally peaceful, with music, banners, and messages focused on unity, anti‑racism, and community solidarity. Many people I spoke to said they were there to oppose hate, defend multiculturalism, or support friends and neighbours who might feel targeted by far‑right rhetoric.
However, some chants — such as “fascists off our streets” or “flagshaggers” — made me uncomfortable. My dad, who I consider the best man in the world, voted for Brexit and currently supports Reform. His concerns are not rooted in hatred but in wanting a better future for me. Hearing language that lumps all people with certain political views into one hostile category felt unfair and unhelpful.
From a distance, I saw a brief scuffle when a group of young counter‑protesters tried to push through a police line. It lasted around ten minutes out of a five‑hour event. Despite this, it was the only part widely reported in the news. I found that disappointing, because it overshadowed what was otherwise a peaceful day.
The far right and their divisive ideas should be opposed at every opportunity. However, with their rallies and wider social media operation groups like Britain First tap into genuine anger about declining living standards for working class people, their families, their communities and their country. As political conversations become increasingly polarised and divisive, I think it's important to remember that we have common interests and goals, and build a political movement that can unite workers of all backgrounds around these.