Police thank communities for not protesting in Birmingham and Black Country after second rally planned for Indian farmers

More than 1,000 people took part in protests across West Bromwich and Birmingham last weekend in solidarity with farmers who have blockaded highways across India in protest against new agricultural reforms.

Similar demonstrations were expected to take place in the West Midlands this weekend but West Midlands Police warned people that they could face action if they deliberately defy coronavirus regulations or break traffic laws.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We would like to thank members of the public in Sandwell and the wider communities for not attending a demonstration regarding agricultural reforms in India that were due to take place today.

"A robust policing plan was in place today to ensure that public safety was maintained, however we are grateful to the communities for following advice not to protest, despite their passionately held beliefs.

"We have worked with the community and local businesses in recent weeks, and will continue to do so over coming months to ensure public safety is our number one priority.

"We respect and support the right to demonstrate, but the current situation means that these type of gatherings pose a risk to public health. Birmingham and Sandwell remain on very high alert in tier three, and strict regulations introduced by the Government remain in place to help prevent the spread of coronavirus."

Fines

Three people were fined last weekend, several drivers were prosecuted and more than 1,000 people were issued with directions to leave as the rally travelled from West Bromwich to the Consulate General of India in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.

The force said the situation was made worse by the fact that organisers of the protest did not make contact with police, meaning the lack of an established route caused traffic chaos and held up emergency vehicles needed elsewhere.

Birmingham, the Black Country and Staffordshire are all currently under Tier 3 coronavirus regulations which ban people from mixing with more than five people from outside their household in the outdoors.

Sikhs from across the region took part in last weekend's demonstration, which saw pedestrians wearing orange clothing walk alongside cars, vans, tractors, trucks and bikes in support of the tens of thousands of Indian farmers, who have been protesting for three weeks.

Similar protests have taken place across the UK and in cities all over the world.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said on Friday: “Everyone has the right to peacefully and lawfully protest. On Saturday there was a build up of traffic near to our hub in Sandwell whilst the protests were taking place, but no patients were affected as a result of this.”

Farmers in India fear new laws mean the government will stop buying grain at minimum guaranteed prices and corporations will then push prices down, allowing agricultural workers to be exploited.

They have been camping on highways on the outskirts of New Delhi since November 27.