Brum Against Hate: A Rally for Unity, A Protest Against Racist Reform UK
All images used in this campaign were created by Mukhtar Dar.
The Rise of the Far Right: A Crisis of Capitalism
The global rise of far-right movements signals a deepening crisis within capitalist societies. Systemic contradictions—such as widening economic inequality, intensifying class struggle, and a growing sense of loss of control over the state—are becoming ever more pronounced. In the UK, this crisis is manifesting in troubling forms, such as the rise of Reform UK, a party led by the notorious Nigel Farage.
While Reform UK presents itself as a voice for the disenfranchised and an “anti-establishment” force, its true agenda is far darker. It is a reactionary populist movement offering nationalist solutions that redirect working-class anger and frustration away from the capitalist system and onto vulnerable communities—migrants, refugees, Muslims, and minorities. This is a classic tactic of the ruling elite: rather than addressing the root causes of economic injustice, they manipulate public sentiment, deepening divisions and scapegoating marginalized groups.
A Threat to Social Unity
Reform UK’s rhetoric, built on misinformation and division, represents more than just a political challenge; it is an existential threat to the social fabric of the UK. The party’s far-right agenda is a direct result of capitalism’s internal contradictions, where the ruling class seeks to preserve its power by exploiting societal divisions rather than addressing systemic inequalities. We now stand at a critical juncture: a choice between justice and oppression, unity and division, hope and fear.
The Role of the Conservative and Labour Parties
Reform UK’s rise has not occurred in a vacuum. It has been fuelled by decades of racist scapegoating by both the Conservative and Labour parties. Mainstream politicians and much of the media have normalised the dangerous myth that migrants and refugees are responsible for economic decline, rather than exposing the real culprits—capitalist elites, bankers, and corporate greed. This rhetoric has emboldened Reform UK, which thrives by channelling working-class frustration over declining living standards away from the billionaires and corporations responsible for inequality, instead blaming the most vulnerable in society.
From Brexit to the Far Right: The Evolution of Reform UK
Founded in 2018 as the Brexit Party, Reform UK initially aimed to push for Britain’s departure from the European Union. Though it began with a focus on the economic consequences of Brexit, the party quickly morphed into a platform rooted in anti-immigrant rhetoric, nationalism, and far-right ideology.
Reform UK has successfully harnessed populist sentiment, particularly in regions disillusioned with the mainstream political establishment. The party’s popularity has surged, topping opinion polls and attracting nearly 200,000 members. With financial backing from billionaire elites including businessman Terence Mordaunt and significant, Reform UK presents itself as a party for the people. However, its true nature is clear: it serves as a political tool for the elite, designed to entrench their wealth and power while masquerading as an anti-establishment force.
A Capitalist Strategy to Divide and Rule
Reform UK’s rise is not simply a spontaneous reaction to economic hardship; it is part of a broader strategy by the capitalist ruling class to maintain their dominance by dividing the working class and deflecting attention from the systemic inequalities that benefit the wealthy. The far right’s success lies in its ability to mobilize disaffected groups through populist rhetoric, offering false solutions while preserving the very system that oppresses them.
A recent study by Hope Not Hate reveals that Reform UK is successfully siphoning Labour voters in predominantly white working-class areas. In response, some Labour MPs have doubled down on anti-immigrant rhetoric, parroting Farage’s talking points in a misguided attempt to win back support. History shows, however, that when centrist parties pander to the far right, they don’t absorb their voters—they legitimize their agenda. This approach is not only doomed to fail; it is dangerously counterproductive.
Reform UK: A Party for the Elite, Not the People
At the helm of Reform UK stands Nigel Farage, a former stockbroker whose wealth, privilege, and elite connections expose the falsehood of his populist persona. Far from being a champion of the working class, Farage was educated at Dulwich College—one of Britain’s most prestigious private schools—and has spent his career among the global elite. His advocacy for tax cuts for the rich and the privatization of public services reveals an agenda that serves the wealthy at the expense of ordinary people.
Farage is not alone in this endeavour. Reform UK’s leadership is dominated by millionaires and billionaires, each deeply entrenched in corporate interests. Richard Tice, the party’s deputy leader, is a property tycoon with an estimated net worth of £40 million. Nick Candy, a billionaire property developer, serves as the party’s chief fundraiser, bringing vast financial resources to Reform UK. Rupert Lowe, a multi-millionaire businessman, holds a seat as an MP, while Zia Yusuf, who made an estimated £31 million from selling his luxury concierge app, serves as the party’s chairman.
Reform UK does not represent ordinary people; it is a vehicle for the wealthy to consolidate their influence under the guise of anti-establishment rhetoric. By positioning itself as a party of the people, it seeks to mislead the working class while reinforcing the very structures of inequality and oppression that benefit its elite backers.
While Reform UK's leadership—particularly Farage and Tice—have made attempts to distance themselves from Tommy Robinson, several figures within the party, as well as Robinson himself, have expressed admiration or support for Reform UK. This creates a troubling dynamic where the party’s anti-establishment, anti-immigration stance inadvertently attracts support from far-right extremists, including neo-Nazis and fascist figures such as Tommy Robinson, the former leader of the English Defence League.
Farage’s Financial Hypocrisy
Despite presenting himself as a man of the people, Farage’s financial dealings tell a different story. He has been linked to tax avoidance schemes and has attended events like the Nomad Capitalist Conference, a gathering of the ultra-rich seeking to protect their wealth offshore. His lucrative media contracts, including his prominent role at GB News, further demonstrate his deep ties to the right-wing establishment. His speeches don’t speak to the struggles of the working class; they cater to the wealthy elites funding his political ambitions. While stirring resentment against migrants, refugees, Muslims, and minorities, he and his allies’ profit from a system designed to keep wealth concentrated at the top.
Scapegoating the Vulnerable
Reform UK thrives on exploiting fear and division. Instead of addressing the true causes of economic hardship—corporate greed, stagnating wages, and failing public services—Farage and his party shift the blame onto migrants, refugees, and Muslims. They claim these communities are responsible for crime, economic instability, and the so-called erosion of British identity. This narrative is a deliberate distraction from the real sources of inequality and suffering in Britain. It is not migrants who have closed factories, underfunded hospitals, or driven down wages. The real culprits are the bankers, billionaires, and corporate elites who have hoarded the nation’s wealth while feeding the public a carefully constructed lie designed to turn worker against worker, neighbour against neighbour, and humanity against itself.
The hypocrisy is glaring. Despite his relentless attacks on immigration, Farage himself is the grandson of German immigrants, and his wife, Kirsten, was born in Germany. He is now with his French girlfriend, Laure Ferrari. Yet, he weaponizes xenophobia to manipulate public sentiment while benefiting from the very internationalism he condemns. His populist nationalism is all about manufacturing an "us versus them" mentality—turning vulnerable communities into scapegoats while he and his allies amass wealth and power.
Reform UK’s Real Agenda: Power and Privilege
Beyond its rhetoric, Reform UK’s policies serve one clear purpose: to protect the interests of the wealthy elite. Farage and his allies have openly advocated for dismantling the NHS, pushing for privatization that would benefit corporations while leaving millions without affordable healthcare. Their manifesto proposes £50 billion in cuts to the NHS, education, and social care. Their economic policies consistently favour the rich—cutting wages, eroding workers’ rights, and slashing public services—while offering tax breaks to millionaires.
Reform UK seeks tax cuts for big corporations while opposing protections for workers, such as voting against the Employment Rights Bill, which addresses zero-hours contracts and exploitative hiring practices. The party has also opposed the UK government’s ambitious "Net Zero by 2050" targets, denying the extent of the man-made climate crisis. They argue that the solutions proposed by the environmental movement are overly alarmist and economically damaging.
Reform UK claims that immigration is the crisis, but the real crisis is one of justice, dignity, and morality. In one of the wealthiest nations on Earth, millions struggle to heat their homes, while food banks stretch from city to city. Nurses,Binworkers, and teachers fight for fair wages while billionaires celebrate record profits. Yet, instead of addressing these injustices, Reform UK insists the problem lies with immigrants and refugees. Rather than holding the rich accountable, they demand closed borders and more policing, building walls instead of bridges. Their goal is to divide and distract while consolidating power for the privileged few.
Birmingham: A City of Resistance
Birmingham has long been a symbol of unity, resilience, and defiance against racism. From the post-war era of rebuilding and welcoming immigrants to the grassroots struggles against racism and fascism, the city’s history is one of resistance. It is a place where communities have come together to fight for justice and equality, refusing to be divided by fear and hate.
The city’s strength lies in its diversity. Throughout history, countless movements have emerged to champion social justice and workers' rights. Organisations such as the Indian Workers Association, Pakistani Workers Association, Bangladeshi Workers Association, The African Caribbean Self-Help Organisation, Birmingham Asian Youth Movement, Birmingham Black Sisters, and Birmingham Campaign Against Racism and Fascism have been instrumental in this fight. Alongside them, numerous self-help groups and labour organisations have played vital roles in standing up for the rights of marginalised communities.
Make Them Gwan, Make Them Run – Racist Scum Out of Brum!
Today, as the far-right gains momentum, Birmingham stands at a crossroads. Reform UK’s planned rally on 28 March 2025 presents a direct challenge to the values of inclusion and equality that this city holds dear. Nigel Farage has declared that this event will be the largest rally in his party’s history, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it does not become a platform for hatred, division, and bigotry. Just as past generations united to defeat fascism, we must come together under the banner of Birmingham United Against Racism to resist this threat.
This is more than just a political fight—it is a struggle for the very soul of our inclusive and diverse society. We cannot allow Reform UK’s dangerous ideology to take root in our great city. We must stand firm against the far-right agenda and protect the values that have made Birmingham a place of sanctuary and solidarity. Together, we can show that the future will be built on unity, respect, and justice for all, regardless of race, religion, or background.
As we march against the forces of hate and division, we walk in the footsteps of those who came before us—activists, workers, and community leaders who fought for a better, more inclusive world. Now, it is our turn to carry that legacy forward. Birmingham has always been a city of resistance, and on 28 March 2025, we will protest against the hate of Reform UK and celebrate our cultural diversity at the Unity Rally. We will rise once again to defend our values and our future. United against racism, united for a better tomorrow – make sure you join us and represent!
📍 Assemble: Utilita Arena entrance – 6 PM
📍 March: To Centenary Square – 7 PM
📍 Unity Rally: Live music & speakers – 7 PM – 9PM
For more information on the event, click here.