Update on planned policing operation in Birmingham this weekend

With protests scheduled in Birmingham on Saturday (20 June), West Midlands Police have a planned operation in place which will see an increased policing presence across the city centre.

We are expecting a significant number of protestors and counter-protestors in the city centre on Saturday (20 June). Our priority is public safety; we will facilitate peaceful demonstration but will intervene appropriately should any behaviour constitute criminality.

This includes acting against hate crime, and any form of hate speech against any community will be dealt with.

Our plans for the protests on Saturday have been put into place based on intelligence, engagement with organisers, local businesses, and community feedback.

We have worked closely with our local authority and highways colleagues to try and minimise any wider disruption to the city centre, including businesses and the transport network.

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Burton said: "Our officers police without fear or favour, which means we uphold the law impartially and treat everybody fairly.

"We want to reassure all local communities that we understand how events such as those taking place this weekend could cause genuine fear and anxiety.

"Our primary job is to protect the public from harm, and whilst we are legally obliged to facilitate people's rights to protest, we are clear that any behaviour or speech that crosses into criminality will be dealt with appropriately.

“West Midlands Police is experienced in policing large gatherings, including protests, and significant resources are in place as we work alongside our city partners to ensure local people, businesses, and visitors, can go about their day with minimum disruption.

“Local officers will be on hand to help as usual in the city centre, and I would urge anyone with concerns about this weekend to speak to them.”

For travel advice and alerts about disruption: TFWM.

We will share updates on the policing operation when appropriate both on our website and social media channels.