A council has launched a legal battle to ban the Union Jack and St George’s Cross flags from being hung on lampposts.
Thousands of flags began to appear across the UK, including around Oxfordshire, following the start of the Raise the Colours movement on social media last summer.
Oxfordshire County Council issued a formal legal notice to the group in April after receiving a number of complaints about the flags in its county, and said their officers had encountered “aggressive behaviour” when removing them.
It has now applied to the High Court for an injunction to stop people from placing the flags on or near public roads.
The increased number of flags being flown across the country has become controversial, and many have claimed that it is a result of racism or xenophobia. The local authority said it has caused “fear and division” among communities.
While some politicians have supported the flying of the flag, other public figures, including Church of England bishops, have voiced their rejection of “the use of Christian symbols”, such as the England flag, from being used to intimidate others.
If the injunction is successful, this would stop the unauthorised placement of flags on highway infrastructure like lampposts. The flying of flags on private property would not be affected unless it affected the views of drivers.
In a statement, the council said: “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.”
They added this legal action had been taken after “months of sustained activity”, with residents across Oxfordshire complaining about the “safety risks, intimidation and distress” linked to the flags.
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.”
A hearing will take place at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday 23 June.
