Reform UK’s conference in Birmingham has been disrupted by protesters.
Groups including Stand Up To Racism and the Green Party gathered outside the Utilita Arena on 28th March, forcing the event to be delayed by 45 minutes.
The party, led by Nigel Farage, has drawn criticism for some of its viewpoints, including a hard stance on immigration.
One protester, Giovanni Esposito, said: “We’ve got people waving communist flags, we’ve got political unions. I think it resonates with a lot of people when you see the downtrodden stamped upon even more.”
Police officers guarded the main entrance, people attending the conference were diverted through the car park underneath the arena.
A member of the Tamworth Solidarity Network, said: “I’m here to show a bit of solidarity with people against the divisive rhetoric you get from Reform.”
The rally blocked St Vincent Street before marching onto Centenary Square, where musicians and speakers were on stage.
The national organiser for Stand Up to Racism, Samira Ali, told the crowd: “Who remembers the British Union of Fascists? Who remembers the National Front? Who remembers the EDL [English Defence League]?
Birmingham-based reggae band, Friendly Fire, who also played at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, were among the acts on stage.
“Insignificant forces in society now because we have smashed them time and time again.”
Green Party campaigner, Ben Auton, said: “We want to have a country that works for everybody, not just throwing in random divisions to try and keep people separate from each other.”
Quakers member Rajan Naidu said: “The whole of Birmingham cares about peace and justice and a good community is on our side.”