Application for High Court injunction to stop “Raise The Colours” flag flying
17/06/2026
“This activity is not about national pride or unity – it is unlawful behaviour”
Oxfordshire County Council has applied to the High Court for an injunction to prevent people placing flags on or near the public highway.
The hearing will take place next Tuesday at the Royal Courts of Justice.
The application aims to stop what the council describes as “repeated interference with the highway” and follows a series of incidents involving named individuals associated with the organisation “Raise the Colours”.
Activity included in the council’s case includes the unauthorised placement of flags on highway infrastructure, which amounts to a criminal offence, trespass and obstruction of the highway. It also includes incidents where council teams, contractors and residents have faced confrontation or harassment when items are removed.
The council says the activity has created road safety and public safety risks and caused distress in local communities, with residents across Oxfordshire “from Adderbury to Wallingford” having complained about safety risks, intimidation and distress.
If the civil injunction is granted it would prohibit flags being placed without permission on or near the highway and allow the council to take enforcement action if the order is breached.
Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This application is about protecting our residents, our workforce and the values we stand for as a county.
“We are proud of Oxfordshire’s diverse communities and of our Council of Sanctuary status. We proudly fly the Union Flag and St George’s flag at County Hall and we fully support the right of residents to display flags on their own private property.
“However, there’s an important distinction between lawful expression and activity that puts people at risk or intimidates residents in their own communities.
“This activity is not about national pride or unity. It is unlawful behaviour, which has caused fear and division within our communities.
“We have a clear responsibility to keep people safe and ensure our public spaces are welcoming and inclusive for everyone.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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