Birmingham city council is reportedly weeks away from securing a court injunction that would ban the local 'patriot' group Raise the Colours from hoisting St George flags on lampposts around the city. The move follows complaints from residents who claim the group has been intimidating and threatening members of the public. A similar injunction was granted in Oxfordshire in June, which also named key figures from the Birmingham branch.
Precedent Set in Oxfordshire
In June, Oxfordshire County Council obtained an injunction against Raise the Colours Oxfordshire, targeting activists including Ben Cullen and Ryan Bridge. Bridge is a co-founder of the Birmingham chapter of Raise the Colours. The legal action prohibited them from placing flags or engaging in related activities within the county. This has set a precedent for Birmingham, where council officials are now exploring similar measures.
Residents Raise Concerns
Local residents have voiced fears over the group's activities, which have been ongoing since last autumn. One anonymous resident told the Guardian: "People are being intimidated, people are being threatened, people are being doxed [their personal details published online]." The resident added that they had heard the council was "weeks away" from securing an injunction. Green Party councillor Ali Duncan acknowledged the situation, calling it a "quagmire," but vowed that "it will be stopped."
Ben Cullen Charges and Fallout
The case has been further complicated by charges against Ben Cullen, a prominent member of the Oxfordshire group, who has been accused of making indecent images of children. Raise the Colours Birmingham has attempted to distance themselves from Cullen, despite photographic evidence showing him with Ryan Bridge and other members. In a recent Instagram video posted by the Birmingham group, an exchange between Bridge and a young member of the public was edited to remove a reference to Bridge being mistaken for Cullen, with the young man calling Bridge "another nonce." The omitted portion of the video highlights the group's efforts to erase ties to Cullen.
Earlier Setbacks for the Group
Raise the Colours Birmingham has faced other setbacks. In January, French authorities banned 10 unnamed British activists from entering the country after reports that the group had conducted anti-migrant activities on France's northern and western coasts. This effectively curtailed their trips to France to 'stop the boats.'
Mosque Leaders Meet to Tackle Hate Crimes
Meanwhile, on Saturday, mosque leaders from across the country gathered in Birmingham to discuss strategies to tackle hate crimes against their places of worship. The meeting highlighted growing concerns over far-right activity and the need for community protection.
Community Reactions
Local residents and councillors have expressed relief at the prospect of council action. The anonymous resident noted that the group's activities have created a climate of fear. Ali Duncan's promise to stop the group has been welcomed by those who feel the council has been slow to respond. The forthcoming injunction is seen as a critical step in restoring a sense of safety in affected neighbourhoods.
