BIRMINGHAM COUNCIL SEEKS INJUNCTION TO BAN FLAGS ON LAMPPOSTS

Birmingham City Council submitted an application to the High Court on Wednesday seeking an injunction to prevent unauthorised flags and banners being attached to lampposts and other highway fixtures. The application follows a dispute with Raise the Colours, a campaign group that encourages people to fly the St George's flag and Union Jack, which is believed to have begun in Birmingham last summer. The council stated that unauthorised attachments on highways create public safety risks and cited incidents involving harassment, intimidation and obstruction during removal activity.

The council's statement said the injunction application targets unauthorised attachments on the highway as part of efforts to manage public safety, protect staff and contractors, ensure community cohesion and use public funds responsibly. The council said the action is "not directed at any particular community, belief or viewpoint". Raise the Colours responded on Instagram stating it has not yet received or reviewed the court papers and therefore could not comment on its current position. The group said it rejects any suggestion that it seeks to divide communities and maintains its aim has "always been to bring communities together through visible expressions of national pride".

Councillor Jane Baston, cabinet member for equalities communities and social justice, said the council is taking a lawful, proportionate and evidence-led approach to the matter. The outcome of the High Court application will determine whether authorities can legally prevent the group from continuing to attach flags to lampposts across the city.