County launches injunction bid against flying flags along public highways

Flags have been tied to lampposts and other street furniture across England since August 2025 as part of a movement known as 'Operation Raise the Colours'.

Announcing its decision to seek an injunction on Thursday (18 June), the local authority said the application aims to stop repeated interference with the highway and the council's legal duties as the highway authority.

It relates to a series of incidents involving named individuals associated with the organisation known as Raise the Colours, the council said.

The council added: "This includes the unauthorised placement of flags on highway infrastructure, amounting to a criminal offence. It also includes trespass, obstruction of the highway, and incidents where council teams, contractors and residents have faced confrontation or harassment when items are removed."

Oxfordshire also said the activity has created road safety and public safety risks and caused distress within local communities.

Raise the Colours describes itself as a "grassroots movement for unity and patriotism" which engages in "lawful civic activism, public awareness, and political accountability".

Oxfordshire has previously claimed that erecting the flags is "an act of intimidation" that has created an "unwelcome and unsafe" environment for some residents. It issued a formal legal notice issued in March 2026 requiring the practice to stop, as well as further pre-action letters sent to named individuals in May 2026.

Cllr 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."

Raise the Colours has been approached for comment.

Adam Carey