Palestine ceasefire demonstrators set to march from Sparkhill Park to Birmingham city centre

Thousands of demonstrators are joining rallies across the country today (Saturday, January 20) to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. 

They are also calling for an end to the UK and the US bombing campaign on Yemen with at least 40 gatherings taking place in Birmingham, along with Newcastle, Brighton, Nottingham, Sheffield, Southampton and several areas of London.

The demonstration in Birmingham is due to begin at noon at Sparkhill Park - with protesters marching to St Martin’s Square on Edgbaston Street, near the Bullring, in Birmingham city centre.

Birmingham Stop the War Coalition said the mass rally could be Birmingham’s biggest ever. Chair of the nationwide Stop the War Coalition Chris Nineham said: “The local and regional actions strengthen the national movement and it is really important that they keep happening, that our voices are heard not just in Parliament and Downing Street, but in our town and city halls, in town squares, and by our local elected representatives. Our message to them this weekend will be: if you don’t call for a ceasefire, you won’t get our vote.”

West Midlands Police has issued a statement explaining that they are working with organisers to ensure the event takes place safely and securely. A spokesperson for the force said: “Over the last few months we have seen a number of vigils, demonstrations and other public gatherings since the attacks in Israel took place. While there have been pockets of disorder and some instances of hate speech the majority of the protest activity has been lawful and has taken place without incident.

“Policing protest is always a balancing act between the rights and views of different groups, including the rights of the broader public." They added: “Anyone causing anti social behaviour before, during or after the protest will be dealt with promptly and directly to minimise any disruption to members of the public.”