Full Breakdown
Flag Campaign Leader Charged with 14 Offences Amid Injunction Battles
9/7/2026, 10:15:46 PM
Core Event: Charges and Legal Proceedings
Ryan Bridge, 45, co-founder of the activist group Raise the Colours, has been charged with fourteen offences stemming from incidents in Oxfordshire between 31 January 2026 and 31 March 2026. The counts include seven for threatening words or behaviour, three for threatening, abusive or insulting conduct intended to provoke unlawful violence, two for racially aggravated intentional harassment, one for racially aggravated fear of violence, and one for common assault. Bridge is scheduled to appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on 3 November.
Background & Context: Raise the Colours’ Flag Campaign
Raise the Colours describes itself as a grassroots movement promoting “unity and patriotism.” Since the previous summer, the group has installed Union Jack and St George’s Cross flags on roundabouts, lampposts and other street furniture across the Midlands and southern England. Local authorities have argued that the installations pose safety risks, constitute trespass and obstruct public highways.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
Thames Valley Police confirmed the charges relate to the two-month period in Oxfordshire and noted that a file had been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service after reviewing witness accounts and available footage. Oxfordshire County Council secured a High Court injunction in July to stop flag placements near highways, citing safety, trespass and obstruction concerns. Birmingham City Council has filed a similar injunction application, with a hearing set for 8 September 2026.
Reform UK declined to comment further on Bridge’s presence at the event.
Criticism & Opposition
The anti-fascist campaign group Hope Not Hate described Bridge’s attendance at the Reform UK conference as “genuinely shocking,” labeling him as “extreme.” The group’s statement reflects broader concerns that the flag installations are being used to spread anti-immigrant sentiment.
Timeline
- 31 January 2026 – Start of the period during which the alleged offences occurred.
- 31 March 2026 – End of the period covered by the charges.
- July 2026 – Oxfordshire County Council obtains a High Court injunction against flag placements.
- 8 September 2026 – Birmingham City Council’s injunction hearing scheduled.
- 3 November 2026 – Bridge’s appearance at Oxford Magistrates’ Court.
What’s Next
The High Court will consider Birmingham City Council’s request for an injunction on 8 September 2026. Following that, Bridge will face the magistrates’ court on 3 November, where the fourteen charges will be adjudicated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Being accused of a criminal act of raising a flag of your country in your country, I think is lesser than the actual criminal act that is going on on a daily basis from the far-left ultra NGOs.” — Ryan Bridge, the colours co-founder
- “That someone as extreme as Ryan Bridge was inside the Reform conference with a pass is genuinely shocking.” — Hope Not Hate
