A security operation begins this week in Birmingham as West Midlands Police prepares for the Conservative Party Conference on Sunday (2 October).
Additional officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the vicinity of the International Convention Centre (ICC) and armed officers will also be out on patrol during the conference.
Plans are also in place for the ‘People’s Assembly’ protest and march which is due to take place on Sunday - several thousand people are expected to march through the city centre from Victoria Square to Millennium Point.
The force recognises people’s right to peacefully protest and will seek to facilitate this. Having worked with the organisers it is expected that this protest will be peaceful.
The security operation has been months in the planning and has involved close working with Birmingham City Council, the International Convention Centre, the Hyatt and many other partners.
Throughout this week work will begin to secure the Hyatt and ICC ahead of the start of the conference, which will involve a number of road restrictions (see map).
Broad Street and Cambridge Street will have restrictions for vehicles from Sunday 2 October until Thursday 6 October - the roads will remain open for pedestrians. There will be additional restrictions on those roads and Bridge Street on the 28 and 29 September.
Nearby residents and businesses have been sent a letter explaining how they will be affected by the security operation. The information will also be available on the Birmingham City Council website.
The restrictions will be lifted and the security operation will scale down when the conference ends on Wednesday 5 October.
Motorists are reminded to allow extra time for their journey if they are travelling into the city centre and we thank them in advance for their patience and understanding.
Superintendent Darren Miles, who is leading the operation, said: “We are proud to be able to play our part in this event and are confident that we will provide a safe and secure environment for all those who attend the conference and for everyone who lives and works in Birmingham.
“We will have armed officers on patrol as part of our plans - they are there as a precaution and to provide reassurance.
"I want to stress that there has been no specific intelligence received relating to a threat to the conference and everything we are doing forms part of our safety plans.
“Members of the public are our eyes and ears in the city and I’d remind anyone who sees anything suspicious, or that causes concern, to speak to one of our officers or call 101 as soon as possible."
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