Oxfordshire Council seeks High Court injunction to ban flags

Oxfordshire County Council has applied to the High Court for an injunction to ban the unauthorised placement of Union Jack and St George's Cross flags on or near public highways, escalating a months-long dispute over a nationwide flag-flying campaign. The council announced the legal action on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, citing public safety risks, community distress, and incidents of harassment.

The council's application targets the "Raise the Colours" campaign, a social media-driven movement that began last summer and has seen thousands of flags attached to lampposts and other public infrastructure across the UK, including in Oxfordshire. The local authority argues the activity constitutes trespass, obstruction of the highway, and has led to confrontations when council teams or contractors attempt to remove the flags.

Council leader Tim Bearder stated the application is about protecting residents and workforce and upholding the county's values. He emphasized the council proudly flies both national flags at County Hall and supports residents' right to display flags on private property. "However, there’s an important distinction between lawful expression and activity that puts...