Birmingham organisations and activists are calling for sustained local action following the historic Together Alliance march in London on Saturday 28 March, which brought together hundreds of thousands of people in a national show of unity against the far right.
People from across Birmingham travelled to the capital in large numbers, joining what has been described as one of the most significant progressive mobilisations in recent years. Now, attention is turning to how that energy is translated into lasting change at a local level.
Lakshnie Hettihewa, Innovation and Partnerships Lead at brap, said:
“The march on Saturday was a clear indication that Birmingham refuses to be divided. We attended in our hundreds and across the generations, on this national march, to celebrate the solidarity of our community. Now the work continues locally – Birmingham’s community commitment to stop hate and division has never been stronger.”
Local groups emphasised that Birmingham has a long-standing history of anti-racist organising and must now build on this momentum.
Jagwant Johal from BRIG said:
“The Together Alliance’s historic, inspirational people’s demonstration provided a platform all towns and cities need to build on. Birmingham has always had a strong anti-racist core and we played our crucial part in mobilising for the amazing half million show of strength against the racists and fascists who seek to divide us and attack our city.
“Birmingham stands strong as an anti-racist city and will now celebrate our city through the Unite the People Festival and Rally in Centenary Square on 12 September.”
For many, the march was also a deeply personal and formative experience.
Osob, a student participant from Birmingham Stand Up To Racism, reflected:
“It was a historic day for every anti-racist at the March against the far right. My own experience was unique as it was the first demonstration I’ve ever been to, and to be in that crowd seeing live updates of the number of people that showed up was truly a surreal feeling. It was gratifying to be able to really feel the strength of our fight.”
For grassroots organisers, the march was also a powerful statement about who holds the majority.
Mus Dar from Brummies United Against Racism said:
“As Brummies United, we were proud to march alongside fellow Brummies and shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of thousands of others across the country. In doing so, we demonstrated that those who stand against hate and division are the many and we showed what love, unity and hope looks like. We also sent a powerful message to politicians – if you scapegoat migrants and refugees, we’ll defend them.”
At the same time, campaigners stressed that visible unity must be matched by concrete action locally.
Sabiha Aziz, a Yardley-based activist, said:
“I was incredibly proud to stand with the Birmingham crew on Saturday; the amazing turnout proved that the far right is a minority compared to our country’s united front. But showing up for one day isn’t enough – we need our local leaders to match that energy with real action. It’s frustrating to see the divisive flags left hanging in our streets; we need the council to be proactive in reclaiming our public spaces for everyone. It’s time the leadership matched the pride and unity we showed on Saturday.”
Avtar Atwal from Birmingham and Black Country Indian Workers’ Association said:
“On 28 March 2026, over half a million people marched in London in a powerful show of resistance to the growing far-right threat in Britain. The Indian Workers Association proudly participated in this historic mobilisation, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to standing with all communities targeted by far-right politics and discrimination.”
Alongside ongoing community organising, Birmingham groups are now calling for residents to turn the energy of the march into democratic action in the upcoming May local elections. Campaigners say the scale of the Together Alliance mobilisation must now be reflected at the ballot box, with a clear message to political leaders that Birmingham rejects division and scapegoating.
Local organisers are encouraging communities to register and turn out to vote, challenge rhetoric that targets migrants and refugees, and support candidates committed to inclusion, fairness and anti-racism. For many, the elections represent a critical next step in ensuring that the unity seen on the streets is matched by leadership in public office.
Get involved!
In the coming weeks Birmingham campaigners are sharing an anti-racist message in the local elections, standing in solidarity with migrants, holding an anti-racist festival and organising transport to the Unite Against the far-right counter protest in London on Saturday 16 May.
Get in touch with Stand Up To Racism Birmingham here:
Read more here about the Unite the People festival launch at the Midlands Arts Centre:
For coach tickets to London for the Unite Against the Far Right counter protest on Saturday 16 May click here.
