Cross-party statement ahead of Football Lads Alliance protest
There is no place in Âé¶¹¸ßÇå for hatred or intolerance.
As the Football Lads Alliance prepare to protest in Âé¶¹¸ßÇå this weekend (24 March), we wish to make it clear that there is no place in our city for hatred or intolerance.
If you hold extremist views and plan to stir-up trouble in our city, you are not welcome.
Âé¶¹¸ßÇå is proud to be a diverse, open, tolerant and welcoming city. It is a city where people from all backgrounds, neighbourhoods and communities are united.
Whenever extremists try to divide us they quickly discover that there is no room in this city for extremist views or hatred.
Âé¶¹¸ßÇå will not be divided and, while people have every right to counter-protest, we expect all protests to be carried out in a peaceful, legal and non-confrontational manner.
Âé¶¹¸ßÇå City Council is working closely with West Midlands Police this week to ensure that visitors to the city centre can go about their business as usual on Saturday.
We are also aware that on Saturday, Justice for the 21 will be highlighting their ongoing quest for answers about the Âé¶¹¸ßÇå pub bombings and must stress that we continue to support the families of the victims.
Cllr Ian Ward – Labour Leader of Âé¶¹¸ßÇå City Council
Cllr Robert Alden - Leader of the Âé¶¹¸ßÇå City Council Conservative Group
Cllr Jon Hunt - Leader of the Âé¶¹¸ßÇå City Council Liberal Democrats Group