Oxfordshire Council seeks to ban England flags from street lampposts
A council has launched a legal challenge to ban Union Jack and St George’s Cross flags from being displayed on lampposts.
Following the launch of the Raise the Colors movement on social media last summer, thousands of flags began appearing across the UK, including around Oxfordshire.
Oxfordshire County Council issued a formal legal notice to the group in April after receiving a number of complaints about flags in its county, saying its officers had encountered “offensive behaviour” when removing the flags.
The company has now applied to the High Court for an injunction to prevent people from placing the flag on or near public roads.
The increasing number of flags flying across the country has become controversial, with many claiming it is a result of racism or xenophobia. The local authority said this had led to “fear and division” within communities.
While some politicians support flying the flag, other public figures, including bishops of the Church of England, have voiced opposition to the use of “Christian symbols” such as the flag of England to intimidate others.
If the injunction is successful, unauthorized placement of flags on highway infrastructure, such as lampposts, will be stopped. Flag flying on private property will not be affected as long as it does not affect drivers’ views.
The council said in a statement: “This also includes trespass, highway obstruction and incidents where council crews, contractors and residents have faced conflict or harassment while items are being removed.”
They added that this legal action was taken after “months of sustained activity”, with residents in Oxfordshire complaining of “safety risks, intimidation and distress” associated with the flags.
Councilor 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 our Sanctuary Council status. We proudly fly the Union Flag and St George’s flag at County Hall and fully support the right of residents to display the flag on their own private property.
“However, there is an important distinction between legal language and activities that put people at risk or frighten those living in their communities.
“This activity is not a matter of national pride or unity, but an unlawful act that causes fear and division in our communities.
“We have a clear responsibility to keep people safe and ensure our public spaces are welcoming and inclusive for everyone.”
A hearing will be held at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday, June 23.
