Local people speak out against racism and division
300 people and over 20 organisations have now signed the ‘Chelmsley Wood belongs to everyone’ statement.
The statement was released after two international students that were living on the estate were stopped and intimidated by a group of vigilantes then had their home repeatedly attacked.
The statement, released by Solihull Stand Up To Racism reads:
“We stand together against racism, anti-migrant hostility and intimidation in Chelmsley Wood.
Recent reports that members of far-right Kingstanding Patriots and Chelmsley Wood Patriots have threatened and intimidated people in local parks, are completely unacceptable.
Many of the people involved are from out of the area. Kingstanding Patriots (and the newly formed Chelmsley Wood Patriots) are part of the far-right, racist street movement led by people like Tommy Robinson and Danny Tommo. They organised a recent protest in the town centre attended by local councillors from the now disgraced Reform UK group on Solihull Council.
On Monday 12th October two international students were stopped by a racist vigilante patrol. The ‘patriots’ asked them to say who they were and where they lived. They were told “this is your final warning… stay away from the park… take yourself back to where you f****** live”.They were then followed home, and windows in their house were broken. Their house has now been attacked on three consecutive nights.
Nobody should be made to feel unsafe or unwelcome in their own community because of their appearance or background.
Chelmsley Wood belongs to everyone who lives here. Migrants and minority communities are our neighbours, colleagues and fellow residents. They deserve the same safety, dignity and respect as everyone else.
Chelmsley Wood faces real challenges, including years of deprivation, housing pressures and underfunded public services. Scapegoating migrants will not solve these problems. We need investment, decent housing and properly funded services, not racism, division and hostility.
Chelmsley Wood Patriots have announced a further demonstration for Sunday 15 November 2026. But they do not represent our community. We stand together against racism and intimidation, and to defend the right of all in our community to live without fear.
Chelmsley Wood belongs to all of us. We stand for solidarity, dignity and equality.”
300 people and organisations have now signed the statement. You can sign the statement here.
Solihul SUTR asked people to tell them why they were signing. Here are some of the comments from local people who signed the statement.
Their comments are followed by those from people from Birmingham and beyond who signed the statement in solidarity. All comments are used here with permission.
“Racism causes division, fear and destroys lives”
“Racism causes division, fear and destroys lives”
Chetan Parmar, Solihull
“I am strongly opposed to all forms of prejudice. It is an archaic attitude from a bygone era, and has no place in my community. The current events that have taken place recently, and are planned to go ahead in the near future, fill me with both dread and fury. The idea that ANY person, regardless of their race, faith, country of origin, gender identity, etc., would be made to feel unsafe or unwelcome, on any basis, is a shocking indictment to how far we’ve fallen as both a nation, and a species. I can only hope that movements like this are treated with the seriousness they require.”
Cameron, Chelmsley Wood
“As an immigrant in Chelmsley Wood I can happily say that it is a lovely place despite the bad reputation it is given. I am often meeting lots of residents who are friendly and want to support other people. It is a shame that a few bad eggs and bad press can ruin such a great place. I have honestly never felt threatened or unsafe with anyone. I am often all over various parts of Chelmsley Wood walking since I have no car and I have never come across any issues in the 4 years I have been a resident here. You cannot believe everything you hear. Go experience Chelmsley Wood in real life for yourself and you will see the truth.”
Diana, Chelmsley Wood
“I don’t want criminal racists roaming our streets at night threatening people. Pretty simple ask really”
Ben Groom, Sheldon
“The growing racism across the country and especially in North Solihull has been extremely sickening. My councillors’ extreme racism and sexism exposed by ITV investigations only further demonstrates how far we’ve gone. It’s slowly making the place a worse place to be.”
Jamie, North Solihull
“Our local party has always been proudly anti-racist. We will continue to support every resident and visitor to Solihull. Solihull belongs to all of us.”
Cllr Max McLoughlin, Solihull
“I am part of this community and I love it. I don’t want it to be divided and to feel unsafe”
Andreea Botorofa, Chelmsley Wood
“Racism has no place in my community. We are and always will be a diverse place. ALL people deserve to be welcomed and deserve to feel safe.”
“Racism has no place in my community. We are and always will be a diverse place. ALL people deserve to be welcomed and deserve to feel safe.”
Sam, Chelmsley Wood
“Something needs to be done before someone is seriously hurt. These “patriots” groups are clearly made up of unstable individuals and are deeply prejudiced. Grave consequences otherwise feel inevitable.”
MB, Solihull
“Our area is and should remain a welcoming place for everyone”
Sandra, East Birmingham
“Chelmsley Wood belongs to everyone, stopping / harming people coming to Chelmsley Wood or terrorising and harming those who live here because of their race and / or religion is unacceptable and an infringement of human rights. The rhetoric that is spouted by the so called patriots is abhorrent. We are all responsible for our acts and omissions and by staying silent and not speaking out (i.e to not sign this statement) would be, an act of being complicit in allowing it to happen. If people like the “patriots” believe that others are allowing this behaviour, that they are with them, they assume free reign to do as they wish and then where does it stop? How far are they going to go? How far do they believe they have entitlement to push? Where does their aggression and rage take them, which victim has to die? When does it stop being men they are approaching, when do they turn to women and children? At what ppint does this become an action of ethnic cleansing and their target becomes anyone who doesn’t stand with them?”
Natalie, Chelmsley Wood
“I stand against discrimination in all its forms. The current rhetoric is an echo of the same spiel that my parents and grandparents experienced coming to this country. Nobody should be living in fear of attack, nobody should have to fear for their lives or families wellbeing because of the colour of their skin or the country they come from.”
“I stand against discrimination in all its forms. The current rhetoric is an echo of the same spiel that my parents and grandparents experienced coming to this country. Nobody should be living in fear of attack, nobody should have to fear for their lives or families wellbeing because of the colour of their skin or the country they come from.”
Richard, Chelmsley Wood
“I hate racists. We need to get them Out”
Mark Wilson, Solihull
“There is no place for vigilantes and targeted attacks based on a person’s colour, religion, immigration status or any reason whatsoever”
Paul, Castle Vale
“Because this is heading towards an even more dangerous trajectory than the vicious attacks and disorder we are seeing”
Emily B, Sutton Coldfield but a Kingstanding and Shirley regular visitor
“I hate racists, pure and simple.”
Bajan Granny, Solihull
“I am signing because every resident of Chelmsley Wood regardless of their background deserves to feel safe in the community they call home. Targeting and scapegoating people based on the colour of their skin does not make our streets safer. It makes neighbours fear each other. That is not the Chelmsley Wood I know and it is not the one we should stay silent about. Thank you.”
Shesh, Chelmsley Wood
“Cos these so called Patriots don’t represent us”
Alexander, Kitts Green
“There is no room for hate in our community”
R Corser, Solihull
“Because racism is abhorrent in all its forms and has no place in Chelmsley Wood. We must counter the far-right noise which weaponises it by convincing people who are struggling that non-white/non-British people are the cause of their struggles. The NHS would crumble without immigration, for example.”
Gemma, Chelmsley Wood
“I am a proud anti-racist and stand in solidarity with the students who have been harassed and victimised. We will not tolerate this blatant racism and intimidation within our communities.”
“I am a proud anti-racist and stand in solidarity with the students who have been harassed and victimised. We will not tolerate this blatant racism and intimidation within our communities.”
Denise Boyce, North Solihull
“Against Racism”
Fabio, Solihull
“Stand against racism and the dreadful behaviour witnessed this week”
Vivienne Livingstone, Solihull
“I stand against racism”
Rohan David Emmanuel, Chelmsley Wood
“To stand up to racism”
Shifeeq, Solihull
“There is immense strength in welcoming, respecting cultures and staying united.”
HS, Chemsley Wood
“I stand against any racial discrimination and prejudice”
Dawid Grochotzki, Chelmsley Wood
“Everyone should be treated with respect.”
Ruth Meredirh, Chelmsley wood
“Because everything we do for our communities is open to everyone!!!”
Clean & Green, Solihull
“I am supporting this initiative to ensure the safety and security of students who are pursuing their goals and building their future in this country. Every student deserves to live, learn, and grow in a safe and secure environment where they can focus on their education, achieve their ambitions, and progress happily without fear.”
Jyothsna, Solihull
“This is a wonderful community full of diversity, and we want to encourage it to remain that way, united for all.”
“This is a wonderful community full of diversity, and we want to encourage it to remain that way, united for all.”
Revd A Thomas, Chelmsley Wood
“Everyone should live peacefully, happily and safely.There should not be any room for racism or any kind of discrimination. Make a law.”
Pavan, Solihull
“As a Solihull resident. We don’t encourage racism and intimidation of genuine international students who contribute to the mere survival of universities these days and are legitimate legal residents of UK”
Siraj Shaik, Solihull
“To make the future of our kids safe from any racist groups. Racism should have zero tolerance. Strict laws need to be in place.”
Praveen kumar Gurram, Shirley, Solihull
“stand against racism and intimidation”
Rajasekhar Reddy, Solihull
“Get issue addressed and appropriate action taken.”
Ranjit, Solihull
“We can’t let hate win!”
Sarah, Chelmsley Wood
“To show solidarity with international students”
Hitesh Bikumalla, Solihull
“Against racism and discrimination”
Niranjan gharge, Solihull
“Anti-racism”
Neena Ananthula, Solihull
“To support our Hindu community”
Darshana, Solihull
“I care for the community and humanity – safe and secure world is the need of the hour.”
Madhurima, Solihull
“Strict laws should be implemented against racism.”
Divya, Solihull
“To stand up to racism”
Miranda, Solihull
“Any kind of racism or hatred is not good for any community”
Om, Solihull
“To stand against Racism in our community.”
Kalyana Surapaneni, Solihull
“Fed up of the divisive far right hate campaign”
Abbie, Sheldon
“It no longer feels safe seeing all of the things happening to people of colour in Chemsley Wood”
“It no longer feels safe seeing all of the things happening to people of colour in Chemsley Wood”
Alice, Chemsley Wood
“Rachel Burbidge, the ‘Chelmsley Wood Patriots’ and any other self appointed community spokes person/s do not represent me or my views and we need to stop them recruiting impressionable young people, who they disrespectfully call “ASBOs”, to spread their hate.”
Gemma A, Marston Green
“Stand Against Racism”
Praveen, Solihull
“Because I want my area to be a safe welcoming place for everyone. I want to do what I can to voice that not everyone round here is a racist idiot”
Abbie, Kingshurst
“This behaviour is bullying, criminal and must be stopped!”
Sabiha, Yardley
“Racial hatred is unacceptable in today’s society. There are criminals including violence, rapists and paedophiles in all cultures. You can’t blame everyone for the inappropriate actions of some.”
Richard, Solihull
“I want to help stop racism”
Tracey Mccabe, Chelmsley Wood
“Things are getting out of hand. We all need to work together to create a peaceful United Kingdom. And we need to stop the tit for tat and focus on working together.”
Anita, Tile Cross
“I want to live in an inclusive multicultural society”
Graham, Smith’s Wood
“Sick of the racist intimidation and attacks”
Zoe, Marston Green
“We all have the right regardless of race colour or religion to go where we want to”
Phill Jones, Yardley Wood
“I oppose discrimination in any form”
Maxine Williams, Chelmsley Wood
“Because I am an antifascist and support unity, love and inclusion.”
KikkaN, Solihull
“I refuse to allow far right bullies to terrorise black or brown people in my area.”
Marie Hodgetts, Chelmsley Wood
“The gimpy vigilante bs needs to stop”
Ryan, Chelmsley Wood
“We are all human. Crime has no colour. These so called ‘patriots’ do nothing to our society other than cause additional upset amongst all.”
Rebecca, Castle Bromwich
“Racism has no place in Solihull”
Steve Faber, Solihull
“We all should stand against racist and intimidating behaviour.”
“We all should stand against racist and intimidating behaviour.”
Nagarjuna Rachakonda, Solihull
“I’m anti-racist and anti-fascist”
David Cochrane, Chelmsley Wood
“Signed to make a point that we believe in democracy”
Bora, Solihull
“Racism and intimidation do not have any place in North Solihull or indeed anywhere. And this is regardless of the acknowledged issues around lack of services in CW but is no excuse.”
Gloria, North Solihull
“We live in a diverse city. These mainly angry white men who hide their faces should stop scapegoating those of colour instead direct their voices to pointing out chronic under funding in industries, housing, schools and public services in these areas. Instead they could be adding all that energy to creating communities and not being the puppets of rich people making money off public unrest.”
Jane, Kitts Green
“Racism has no place here.”
Revd Fiona Harrison-Smith, Solihull
“We need to stop these thugs who aren’t protecting anyone. They are just racists and fascists.”
Nicky, Chelmsley Wood
“I oppose racism in all of its forms. We can see the devastating effects of racism in the plight of the Palestinian people and we don’t want it to take root in our local communities.”
Councillor Alison Natasha Wilson, Shirley West, Solihull.
“There is no place for racism in solihull”
Victoria Elwell, Castle Bromwich
“People deserve to walk around freely without fear of violence due to racism”
Kiera Black, Shirley
“Because it’s the right thing to do.”
Shifeeq, Solihull
“Because I’m looking for democracy and freedom and I’m Anti-fascist”
Majid, Chelmsley wood
“I live in the area, and am extremely saddened by the impact these far right patriot groups have already had on the area. They should not be allowed to continue on as they are – essentially targeting anyone who is not white and taking law into their own hands. Additionally, although born in the UK, I’m mixed race, with mixed race children and this is the first time I’ve ever felt unsafe and uncomfortable in my own area. Something needs to be done to stop this hate movement before it gets any worse.”
RLT, Chelmsley Wood
“I am against any form of racism, anti-migrant hostility and intimidation”
Vera, Solihull
“I am signing the statement because the hatred that I have seen being spread has upset me, my faith does not allow me to sit back and watch as things like this go on. My hope is that the people causing this division come to their senses and find forgiveness in Jesus.”
Kaleb P, Smiths Wood
“As a resident in Chelmsley Wood for over 25 years, I do not wish these groups to claim to speak on my behalf when their opinions and actions are not what I stand for or agree with my beliefs and Christian values”
“As a resident in Chelmsley Wood for over 25 years, I do not wish these groups to claim to speak on my behalf when their opinions and actions are not what I stand for or agree with my beliefs and Christian values”
Stacey, Fordbridge
“So upset with what’s happening on my doorstep. I feel more scared on the street with the patriots about. I wish they would leave us alone.”
Sarah, Chelmsley wood
“To show my support”
Steve, Olton
“We are one. I stand for unity. What is happening in our community to our Brothers at the moment is deeply upsetting!”
Jessie, Chelmsley Wood
“I believe we are all created as one, as the children of God and to live as an inclusive community. Groups like the patriots take us back many steps and I do not wish for the hard work of our ancestors to be thrown down a drain because of racist agendas and ideas. The bible tells us to love our neighbour, maybe the patriots and groups alike, should practice what they preach and actually read a bible.”
Kim, Chelmsley Wood
“I want people to feel safe in their homes”
Lily, Solihull
“I work in the area and am horrified at what’s starting to happen”
Ben Ballin, Birmingham
“I am signing the statement because the hatred that I have seen being spread has upset me, my faith does not allow me to sit back and watch as things like this go on. My hope is that the people causing this division come to their senses and find forgiveness in Jesus.”
Kaleb P, Smiths Wood
“As a resident in Chelmsley Wood for over 25 years, I do not wish these groups to claim to speak on my behalf when their opinions and actions are not what I stand for or agree with my beliefs and Christian values.”
Stacey, Fordbridge
“So upset with what’s happening on my doorstep. I feel more scared on the street with the patriots about. I wish they would leave us alone.”
Sarah, Chelmsley Wood
“Signed to show my support”
Steve, Olton
“We are one. I stand for unity. What is happening in our community to our Brothers at the moment is deeply upsetting!”
Jessie, Chelmsley Wood
“I believe we are all created as one, as the children of God and to live as an inclusive community. Groups like the patriots take us back many steps and I do not wish for the hard work of our ancestors to be thrown down a drain because of racist agendas and ideas. The bible tells us to love our neighbour, maybe the patriots and groups alike, should practice what they preach and actually read a bible.”
Kim, Chelmsley Wood
“North Solihull is a inclusive and vibrant community where everybody pulls together.”
Marcus Brain, Solihull
“Community is built on unity, not division”
Cllr Max McLoughlin, Solihull
“Racism is abhorrent. Jesus loves everyone.”
Shannen Savage, Chelmsley Wood
“Jesus said “love your neighbour as yourself”, not kill your neighbour!”
James McShane, Chelmsley Wood
“These people don’t speak for me, the way some people are behaving towards anyone that isn’t white British is disgusting. My family and i do not believe the bile that is being spouted by these people that claim not to be racist! The hatred that is being pushed upon others, in the name of making Chelmsley Wood and our country great again is nonsense. All that is happening is people are being picked on for what religion they follow or the colour of their skin, people are being told they can’t be in public spaces by agro groups of white folk. These people DO NOT talk for me and I do not want this done on my behalf!”
Lisa, Chelmsley Wood
“Kick racism out of GB”
Ismail, Solihull
“Against racism, oppression and violence”
Carla Lopes, Chelmsley
“One borough, one people. Hope not hate”
Entraide (Mutual Aid), Solihull
“The current unrest has been really upsetting and needs to be addressed. I do not want my grandchildren growing up in a world where diversity is not celebrated.”
Lisa Nicholls, Solihull, work in Chelmsley Wood
“It no longer feels safe seeing all of the things happening to people of color in Chelmsley Wood”
Alice, Chelmsley Wood
“Intimidation and violence is not patriotic. We need to have solidarity against racism and aggression.”
Tina, Solihull
“People should be able to go for a walk and simply exist in public without being bothered, harassed or abused”
Eve, Smiths Wood
“The deliberate targeting of black and brown people is pure racism. It does nothing to make our communities safer. These ‘patriots’ are nothing other than thugs and are an embarrassment to decent people.”
Ian, Solihull
“This behaviour is unacceptable, we must kick out racist behaviour.”
Kyle, Solihull
“I live in the area with a black partner & am disgusted by the recent occurrence in Meriden park. I expect the police to also be patrolling to police the unwanted patriots!”
Lisa J Smith, Chelmsley Wood
“I dislike racism, Birmingham is beautifully multicultural”
Amanda Outram, Chelmsley Wood
“I am completely against racism and exclusion and any kind of vigilante groups patrolling our streets”
Stacey Coleman, Kitts Green
“Racism in all forms must be opposed by all of us.”
Brian Hunter, Solihull
Comments from people from Birmingham and beyond
“I stand against racism and violence in my city. Birmingham for all.”
Natasha, Moseley
“I lived in Chelmsley Wood as a child and am committed to anti fascism”
Sophie Butler, New Zealand
“Although I live in Moseley, my grandparents lived and worked in Kingshurst which borders on Chelmsley Wood; it is where my mum was raised and where I spent a lot of my childhood, and I’m so saddened to see how ethnic minorities like myself and my family are being treated when we form part of that community and have done for years.”
“Although I live in Moseley, my grandparents lived and worked in Kingshurst which borders on Chelmsley Wood; it is where my mum was raised and where I spent a lot of my childhood, and I’m so saddened to see how ethnic minorities like myself and my family are being treated when we form part of that community and have done for years.”
Bobbie Blair, Moseley
“Vile racism and misogyny have no place in society, much less an elected representative”
Cllr Chris Garghan, Birmingham Billesley
“I stand in solidarity with the anti-racist majority in Chelmsley Wood”
John C, Moseley
“This despicable unprovoked racist bullying behavior towards inoffensive guests in our country is an attempt to create an apartheid -type situation in the UK and should be resisted.”
Alistair Wingate, Smethwick
“To act against street fascism”
James Brown, South Birmingham
“Because this vigilantism is dangerously and is unsafe for everyone”
Kelly Burgess, West Midlands
“I’m against fascism and these far right”
Candice, Maypole
“In solidarity. This is becoming an increasingly frightening situation across the West Midlands (and indeed the country). We said what started with flags would become this. People should not be frightened and intimidated in their homes and communities.”
Eliza, Shropshire
“Because everybody deserves respect and minority groups should not be scapegoated – I am ashamed.”
Gill Davis, Shropshire
“Human history is fundamentally a story of migration, driven by the search fire resources, survival, and adaptation.”
Sonia K, Bartley Green
“There is no need for racism”
Claudia Campbell, Small Heath
“Me no like fascism”
Paul Clarkson, Bearwood
“Concerned about racist street gangs”
Duncan Ali, Birmingham
“I strongly believe that racism and intimidation has no place in this society. Racism needs be opposed in a strong but peaceful way.”
K., West Midlands
“People have to understand that it is natural for humans to have different skin colours and different origins. The people going out to bully and intimidate are racists. They make everything worse. Bigots be gone, leave Chelmsley Wood and everywhere else to normal people.”
Doug, Birmingham
“Racial violence cannot be allowed to be normalised. We need to openly stand against this. intimidation.”
Bob Moloney, Bromsgrove
“Disgusted by the rising levels of racism and discrimination”
Parminder, Birmingham
“My neighbourhood was targeted by the far right so am sending solidarity to Chelmsley Wood.”
“My neighbourhood was targeted by the far right so am sending solidarity to Chelmsley Wood.”
Kirsten Forkert, Stirchley
“To express solidarity from concerned residents of Stirchley, where people have also been subjected to far-right harassment, intimidation and assaults over the past year”
Stirchley is for Everyone
“I am horrified that we now have racist vigilantes on the streets of Birmingham. There needs to be urgent action to put a stop to this. The ‘patriot’ and raise the colours groups have been allowed to intimidate our communities without consequence for over a year, and this has emboldened them to escalate their actions. They are terrorising communities on the back of a racist ideology.”
Sarah, Stirchley
“My belief as a Nichiren Buddhist is built upon mutual respect, human rights, and the dignity of all people”
Mary Robertson, Selly Oak
“Standing up against racism”
Asmah Bibi, Birmingham
“I stand against racism and intimidation.”
Jamie, Stratford-Upon-Avon
“Want a safe community for everyone”
Sukesh Khare, Handsworth
“Stand up for international students who came to study, pay international students fees to support UK universities got humiliated and their accommodation vandalised.”
Siddu Reddy, Birmingham
“We want a safe and secure community”
Krishna Veni, Edgbaston
“International students play a big part in shaping UK’s economy for better. They shouldn’t be intimidated. Let them live in peace. This is a democratic country and they are here legally.”
Krishna Batchu, Sutton Coldfield
“We must all make a stand against racism”
Jenny Nolan, Edgbaston
“Our streets belong to all of us. No masked group or vigilante movement has the right to decide who belongs nor has the right to intimidate people in the name of patriotism. And no one should be allowed to exploit concerns about women’s safety to legitimise racial intimidation, hostility and violence. We stand with every community that rejects the politics of fear, division and scapegoating. Chelmsley Wood is home to people of different backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. All residents deserve the right to feel safe in their homes and in their neighbourhoods. We stand in solidarity with Solihull Stand Up to Racism.”
Anthony, Birmingham
“Supporting an important initiative”
Stephanie Decker, Moseley
“To stand up against racism”
Lydia Kijowska, Ashburton, Devon
“Racism has no place irrespective of colour! The way the Indian students were questioned and followed to vandalize the property they live in is heights of stupidity”
Phani Kiran Bolem, Weoley Castle
“Because we need to make sure we stop racism everywhere. UK is full of minorities who need to be protected.”
Rafael da Costa, Lozells
“To fight against racism. No one should feel afraid to walk home regardless of race, colour, gender, sexuality or religion”
Lana Rose, London
“I stand against Racism and intimidation”
Susie Henry, Erdington
“I oppose racism in all it’s forms. Everyone needs a safe place to live.”
Dee, Kings Heath
“Vigilantism, racism, harassment and blatant thuggery… When I last checked, are all illegal – but in the absence of the relevant agencies doing their respective jobs, this wil have to do.”
Dave, Perry Barr
“We stand against all forms of racism and far right intimidation”
“We stand against all forms of racism and far right intimidation”
Windrush Movement UK, Birmingham
“I will always be here to stand up and fight back against the far right”
Charlie, Perry Barr
“In opposition to all forms of racism and intimidation masquerading as “ free speech”. Racism and religious hatred are illegal and morally reprehensible. All of humanity is entitled to equality , justice and respect irrespective of race , ethnicity and sexual orientation.”
Paul Jonson
“We cannot allow racists to dominate the streets, harass people, attack our neighbours. This is where permissiveness to the far right goes, first ‘peaceful’ demonstrations, then this, then riots and paramilitaries, then it’s too late.”
Sacha Marten, Ladywood
“We are in 2026, not Nazi Germany before and during the war.”
Lizzie, Redditch
“I stand against racism & hate!”
Lakhbir, Worcestershire
“Birmingham/ Chemsley Wood belongs to EVERYONE regardless of race, religion, class .”
Cy, Erdington
“So sickened by the intimidation.”
Cicely Frost, Kent
“The racists are a minority and are trying to create disunity and problems for marginalised communities”
Abdul Ghafoor, Derby
“No one should feel unwelcome, intimidated or unsafe on our streets because of their ethnicity or religion. The behaviour of the so called ‘patriots’ does not represent us.”
Ceinwen Hilton, Kings Heath
“There is no place in our society for division, hate and violence. We all deserve the right to feel safe, respected and supported regardless of our protected characteristics.”
Irene, Birmingham
“Diversity equality and inclusion are strengths. No one should be treated differently based on their protected characteristics. Racism has NO place in our neighbourhoods and society!”
Andrea, Wolverhampton
“Racism and intolerance should not be a thing in 2026”
Leanne, England
“I detest any form of hatred that divides our community. No human is illegal and I believe we need to stand up with and for each other.”
Tracy Abrahams, Balsall Heath
“Say no to racism!”
Andy, Kings Heath
“To show the fascists that we are the majority and we won’t stand for this intimidation of our brothers and sisters in our towns and cities”
Carl Joesbury, Lichfield
“The city must be safe for all students!”
Rhiannon Lockley, Birmingham
“In solidarity with those being targeted by the far right and racist extremists.”
Alasdair McCarrick, Selly Park
“All areas should feel safe like a home to all.”
Surinder Guru, Handsworth
“My sincere hope is that the UK can be a place where people of different races can live together harmoniously and contribute to this great country. I came with my family from South Africa to live in this country when I was 15 years old. I felt accepted and have built a good life here. Most of my working life I have worked in care for adults with learning disabilities. Many of the people I have worked with come from different countries and continents. It has enriched my life hugely to work with and live in a country with people of different backgrounds. This is what makes Great Britain so great!”
Kathryn, Kings Heath, Birmingham
“Racism is wrong”
Jo King, Stourbridge
“To support the people of Birmingham in their resistance to racism and fascism”
Phil Wilson, Devon
“Because I am strongly anti racist. I support anyone abused for their religion, skin colour or how they identify their gender.”
Sarah Teversham, Moseley SUTR
“I am against Racism.”
Malcolm Geoffrey Hyde, Fordingbridge
“There is no room for racism and division in our schools and communities.”
“There is no room for racism and division in our schools and communities.”
NASUWT Birmingham
“I have family in Chelmsley Wood. Hate and violence has never made anyone safe.”
Graham Mackay, Kings Heath
“I work in the area and I remain concerned if such behaviours continue. It poses a risk to my personal safety and people like me and our future generations from the Global majority Community.”
S P, Kings Norton
“I hate racism. Love our mixed Brum community where all should feel safe and welcomed”
Janette, Harborne
“Signing to stand up against all forms of discrimination. To get my country back from bigots and racists! England is for EVERYONE”
Michael May
“Life long opponent of racism and fascism. Opposed to racist and fascist intimidation”
James Carroll, Small Heath
“Signing because I believe in Love, Peace and Unity!”
Tim Cook TC, Erdington
“We achieve nothing by blaming each other”
Clive, Frankley
“This is how fascism begins”
Matt, Shropshire
“Public spaces are for everyone. No one should be intimidated.”
Catherine Watson, Shropshire
“No human being is illegal. My heart aches for those young students suffering intimidation and open racism in this country.”
Jean Atkin, Shrewsbury
“Horrified by the rise of racism”
Karen B, Shrewsbury
The statement has been backed by a number of local and regional organisations including NASUWT Solihull · Solihull Green Group · ENTRAIDE Mutual Aid, Solihull · Solihull Solidarity · North Solihull Additional Needs Group · Clean & Green, Solihull · Stand Up To Racism Birmingham · Birmingham TUC · PCS Midlands · Birmingham NEU · Birmingham City University UCU · NASUWT Birmingham · Women Against the Far Right Birmingham and Black Country · Peace Hub · Stirchley is for Everyone · Brummies United Against Racism & Hate Crime · Windrush Movement UK · West Midlands Palestine Solidarity Campaign · Selly Oak Palestine Solidarity · Stand Up To Racism Lichfield and Cannock Chase · Unite the Union Branch 6030 (Birmingham South Local Branch).
For more information see Jessica Berry’s excellent piece in The Birmingham Dispatch