Nationalist activists from Raise the Colours have been forced to abandon their public flag-hoisting campaign after Oxfordshire County Council secured a sweeping High Court injunction. In a hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday, Ryan Bridge, Ben Cullen and Trudy Wells were told not to attach flags to council property, encourage others to do so, or harass workers removing them.
A fourth leader, Kevin Good, was also bound by the order despite not attending court. Mr Justice Dias granted the injunction against the named individuals and “persons unknown”. Those mentioned agreed to the ruling.
Council cites safety and distress
The Liberal Democrat-led Oxfordshire County Council sought the order after months of unauthorised flag placements that it said created road safety risks, caused community distress and led to abuse of its staff. The campaign, which began last August, involved flags appearing across towns from Adderbury to Wallingford.
Council teams faced confrontation, obstruction and “naming and shaming” while attempting removals. One council member was reportedly targeted with flags in her street and abusive emails.
Council leader welcomes ruling
The council leader, Councillor Tim Bearder, welcomed the ruling. Cllr Bearder said: “This is not, and never has been, about the flag. We proudly fly the Union Flag and St George’s flag at County Hall and support residents displaying their own flags. However, the behaviour we’ve seen from Raise the Colours is unlawful, putting people at risk and causing fear in our communities.”
The council had issued a formal legal notice in March and pre-action letters in May, but the activity continued. It argued the placements amounted to criminal offences including trespass and highway obstruction. Removal costs have run into thousands of pounds.
Activists respond
Mr Bridge, representing himself, described the action as “bullying tactics” and a “sad day for the flag of our country and what it represents”. He expressed concern that even displaying a flag for the England football team could breach the order by encouraging others. The judge clarified that individuals remain free to erect flags on their own property.
Mr Cullen initially said he wanted to continue but later agreed not to in Oxfordshire. Ms Wells stated she would have “nothing more to do with the flags any more”. The injunction also prohibits painting flags on roads and causing harassment, alarm or distress to council staff.
