DUDLEY North MP Ian Austin has unveiled plans for an anti-racism rally in celebration of Britain's diversity.

The event, called 50 Years On, Why Britain is a Better Place, will be on Thursday, April 19 at the Burlington Hotel in central Birmingham.

It will coincide with the 50th anniversary of Wolverhampton MP Enoch Powell's infamous 'Rivers of Blood' speech in Birmingham in 1968 and Mr Austin aims to bring people together and celebrate how far Britain has come in the last 50 years.

Mr Austin said: "Powell divided communities based on the colour of people's skin, he wanted immigrants to leave the country and predicted race wars and blood on the streets."

"His terrible predictions have never become true. Instead, the West Midlands is home to communities in which people from different countries, backgrounds and cultures work and live together harmoniously."

Mr Austin praised the contribution that immigrants to Britain have made to the NHS, community life and businesses.

He added: "I’m inviting speakers from across the country and people from around the region to join me as we celebrate all the ways Britain has got better over the last 50 years.”

The rally takes place from 6pm to 8pm and is free to attend.