Conservative party conference underway amid police warning about no-fly zone over city centre

Restrictions are in place as part of the major security operation to police the Conservative Party Conference around the ICC in Birmingham

West Midlands Police has issued a fresh reminder about a no-fly zone over Birmingham city centre. Restrictions are in place as part of the major security operation to police the Conservative Party Conference around the ICC.

The force said the operation was in place to protect "thousands of people." Road closures and a temporary ban on drones also follows some new fencing in place and armed officers on patrol throughout the city.

The Tory conference gets underway from today, Sunday, September 29 and lasts until Wednesday, October 2. Some delegates and attendees arrived on Friday, which has increased police activity over the last two days.

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Taking to X, WMP Eye in the Sky posted: "*Reminder* Airspace Restrictions in place Birmingham City Centre. Saturday 28th September through Wednesday 2nd October. No drones whatsoever in this zone without permission from West Midlands Police."

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "Our security operation for the Conservative Party Conference got underway (on Friday) with thousands of people visiting the city for the event. Our officers will be working with the event organisers over the next few days to ensure a safe and secure event, with visible security measures including fencing being put in place.

"Additional officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the vicinity of the ICC, and you can expect to see armed officers out on patrol to help keep the city safe. This has involved close working with the Conservative Party, Birmingham City Council, the International Convention Centre, and police officers from other parts of the UK.

"As part of the operation, there are airspace restrictions in place around the conference area. Between 7am on 28 September and 23:59pm on 02 October, no aircraft (including drones and and sub-250g aircraft) are to fly below 4,500ft within a 1-mile radius of the ICC without permission from West Midlands Police.

"There will also be road closures in place throughout the conference." Chief superintendent Sarah Burton, who is leading the operation, said: “We're proud to be working alongside our partners to deliver a safe and secure event in Birmingham.

"We are aware there will be some disruption caused as people move through the city, but this has been done to balance the needs of the public right of way with the need for a secure conference site. As always, we're asking the public to report any suspicious activity to let us know via 101 or Live Chat."

Local bus services will also be impacted. Due to the restrictions on Broad Street, NX bus services 9, 12, 12A, 13, 13A, 23, 24 126, X8, X10 will be diverted. From the start of service Tuesday, September 24 buses into the city centre will be diverted from Five Ways and the top of Broad Street. Buses into the city centre will return to their normal route from beginning of Friday, October 4.

From 8pm on Wednesday, September 25 buses will also be diverted out of the city centre. Buses out of the city centre will return to normal service from start of service Thursday, October 3.

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