OPINION: Save the politicking for another day. This was a failed chance to remember the innocent

Left wing activists should hang their heads in shame for hijacking the Birmingham vigil. It was supposed to be a chance for people of the Midlands to show solidarity and support for the victims and families affected by Monday’s senseless attack less than 100 miles away in Manchester.

You know, something more meaningful to the now customary convention of changing your profile picture on social media to incorporate a graphic of the stricken destination.

But no. Anti-war, anti-Tory, and yes of course anti-Brexit campaigners could not miss the opportunity to prey on the vulnerability, sadness and anger of the little over 100 people in attendance – many of whom were parents who would have been thinking ‘it could have been our child who never came home’.

In truth the most meaningful moments came in the sombre silence when actions – or even inaction – spoke volumes more than words.

The moment two Birmingham school children, aged eight and six, laid their own candles at the vigil. Or the mere sight of the British Transport Police cadets standing perfectly still in formation with their heads bowed respectfully.

But sadly even those poignant images were invaded by placards and banners displaying messages such as ‘No to Islamaphobia’, ‘No to war’ and ‘Refugees Welcome’. What on earth has any of that got to do with this really?

It is no surprise many lost patience including the red faced man a few feet away from me who had to be restrained when Stop the Coalition preacher Stuart Richardson delivered his diatribe claiming Monday’s atrocity was somehow provoked by British intervention in the Middle East. Save it for another day for goodness’ sake.

The vigil had all but served its purpose after around 45 minutes. There had been defiant and heart-warming messages from faith leaders and yes even some politicians nailed it. Newly appointed West Midlands Mayor Andy Street stuck the right chord saying we stand united in condemning the attacks and defending our way of lives. What must he be thinking of the embarrassing scenes which followed. The ceremony should have ended there but it dragged on for another half an hour until police had to evacuate the square. Even the commencement of a minute’s silence was abruptly delayed so other nobodies could throw in their two cents.

Various speakers said ‘Birmingham has been here before’. Yes it certainly has. If anything this was reminiscent of the scenes when hundreds of placard waving activities took to exactly the same spot in January to protest Donald Trump’s travel ban. Ironically that event amassed twice as many people. Says it all.