Council probe after Britain First defy ban to set up a stage in main square

HUNDREDS of Britain First supporters held a march and rally in the centre of Birmingham despite the city council refusing access to a main square.

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Supporters of the right wing political party gathered at the junction of Hill Street and Navigation Street at midday. They marched toward New Street station, along Lower Temple Street, and back along New Street.

The protestors then marched into Victoria Square where a stage and video screen had been set up, despite Birmingham City Council saying the protestors would not be welcome and would not be allowed on the square.

As speakers, including Britain First leader Paul Golding, addressed their audience on the upper level of the square, counter protestors held their own rally on the lower level, nearer New Street.

There was a heavy police presence and the two groups were largely kept apart save for shouting at each other.