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Birmingham Council Seeks Injunction Over Raise the Colours Flag Displays
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Court Hearing Over Flag Installations
A Birmingham High Court hearing examined the city council’s request for an emergency injunction to stop members of the anti-migrant group Raise the Colours from attaching flags and other objects to lamp-posts, bridges and street furniture. The council argues that the group’s activities, carried out for about a year as part of its “Stop the Boats” campaign, constitute unlawful conduct and a criminal offence. Council solicitor Jonathan Manning told the court that residents have reported feeling “significantly less safe” after incidents that include a man breaking his leg when struck by a cherry picker, assaults such as a kick to the shins and an elbow to the face, and verbal abuse directed at councillors and highway workers.
Background to the Dispute
Raise the Colours has been flying thousands of Union Jacks and St George’s flags without permission, prompting complaints from local residents. MP Al Carns cited a letter to Parliament indicating that more than 120 people had contacted him with concerns. Councillor Izzy Knowles of Moseley described feeling intimidated when a group of eight men and one woman surrounded her while she attempted to engage the flag-erecting members.
Council’s Injunction Request
Manning emphasized that the injunction would apply to all unauthorised flags, including Palestinian and Pride flags, to ensure a uniform consent process. He said the council is not seeking to suppress opinion but to prevent unsafe installations and the ongoing harassment of residents and council staff. The court was shown social-media videos of group members, and the hearing concluded with the case narrowed to two named defendants—founder Ryan Bridge and Ben Cullen—plus “persons unknown.”
Raise the Colours’ Opposition
Raise the Colours, represented by barrister Liam Wells, contends that the injunction infringes on Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The group argues that the proposed order is overly broad and that the legal threshold for such an injunction has not been met.
Next Hearing
The court adjourned the matter until 2 November, when it will hear arguments from Bridge’s legal team. The outcome will determine whether the council’s restrictions on unauthorised flag displays will be upheld.