Britain First met by protesters in Coventry city centre

[dutchman]

The group's leader Paul Golding gave a speech during the visit



Members of far-right group Britain First were in Coventry city centre this weekend - and were met by protesters.

Britain First leader Paul Golding and a number of supporters were in the city on Saturday waving Union Jacks and speaking to shoppers and passers-by.

The group, which says it is "committed to the maintenance of British national sovereignty, independence and freedom", were met in the city centre in Upper Precinct by protesters from Stand Up To Racism.

Both sides fought for their voices to be heard and officers from West Midlands Police were called to keep the protests peaceful.

On its website, Britain First said it held "a day of action in Coventry city centre, attended by around 40 activists".

It added: "For several hours our activists distributed around 5,000 leaflets.

"At the end, party leader Paul Golding gave a short speech to the activists and the shoppers in the city centre."

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "Police were made aware of a protest and counter-protest in Coventry city centre yesterday afternoon at around 11.30am.

"Officers were on the scene as both groups exercised their right to demonstrate, before dispersing by around 2.30pm.

"There were no arrests."