Security operation for conference

The conference continues until Sunday

A major security operation is in place as about 4,000 people are expected to attend the Labour Party Spring Conference in Birmingham.

The event is at Broad Street's International Convention Centre.

Broad Street, Cambridge Street and Bridge Street are closed to traffic, and some bus routes have been diverted.

Police from across England and Wales are also meeting in the city to discuss pay and their right to strike over issues with their latest pay award.

The Police Federation has called for the resignation of Home Secretary Jacqui Smith over her refusal to backdate a 2.5% pay award.

Federation members are unhappy that the rise is being staggered in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a spokesman said.

But the government said the delay is necessary to reach inflation targets.