An image from the recent EDL protests has gone viral after Birmingham became the battleground for the divisive party’s demonstration.
The powerful image shows the agitated frustration of an English Defence League member met with the defiant smirk of a young British Asian counter protester.
Her nonchalance and mild amusement truly encapsulated Birmingham response to the far-right march in a city that is renowned for its multicultural heritage.
‘Who looks like they have power here, the real Brummy on the left or the EDL who migrated for the day to our city and failed to assimilate,’ says MP Jess Phillips.
The image of Saffiyah Khan has been shared thousands of times since it was taken at the demonstration.
Ms Khan, from Birmingham, mentioned she had felt the need to intervene when she saw another woman surrounded by 25 men.
She said she had initially been happy “to stay out of the way”, but “stepped forward” when another woman shouted “Islamophobe” at members of the EDL who had gathered in Centenary Square.
She added: “He put his finger in my face. It was very aggressive. A police officer was there and the man took his finger out of my face. I wouldn’t have responded violently.”
While protests took place in town, Birmingham’s Central Mosque decided to actively counteract the propelled negativity.
The Mosque, decorated in red, white and blue bunting, held a “Best of British” tea party, which saw people from across the city unite in hopes of spreading a message of peace.
The mosque’s chairman, Muhammad Afzal, said: “We are just holding this event to show EDL that Birmingham is a peaceful city and we are all united irrespective of colour, race or religion.”
Local Labour MP Liam Byrne said the simple civility of the tea party, which saw a mixed crowd enjoy tea and cake in the sun, was able to counter the “hatred and division” of the EDL rally.
He told guests: “This is how we protest – by celebrating the quiet miracle of a normal life and the things that we love most about our city and our country.
“Getting together as friends, getting together as neighbours, breaking a bit of Victoria sponge and having a cup of tea. That is a potent, powerful message that we will send to those who seek to divide us.”
