Oxfordshire Council Takes Firm Action Against Flag Group
Oxfordshire County Council has served a legal notice to the group Raise the Colours, effectively banning them from putting up flags across the entire county. This decisive move comes after repeated incidents where the group installed flags without proper consent, leading to community distress and reports of abusive behaviour.
Legal Notice Issued Following Community Concerns
The council invoked the legal notice on Monday, March 30, 2026, specifically addressing the "repeated installation of flags on or near highways without consent." This action follows a week after Raise the Colours livestreamed themselves attaching England flags in Oxford, where local residents who challenged them faced "abuse and threatening behaviour."
If the group violates this order, Oxfordshire County Council has stated they "will consider all available options," including both civil and criminal proceedings. The council's response underscores their commitment to maintaining public safety and community harmony.
Council Leader Condemns Intimidation Tactics
Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, strongly criticised the group's activities. She emphasised that their actions are not patriotic but rather "an act of intimidation and division that is having a real and damaging impact on our communities."
Leffman highlighted that residents have reported feeling "distressed, unwelcome and unsafe in their own neighbourhoods" due to the flag installations. She also noted that council teams removing the flags, along with residents who confronted the individuals, have been subjected to abuse and threatening behaviour, which she described as "totally unacceptable."
Background of Community Disruption
The controversy surrounding Raise the Colours has been building for months. On January 27, 2026, a petition was presented to Birmingham City Council pleading for action against the group. Subsequently, on February 4, the group visited Moseley Village where they attached St George and Union Jack flags to lampposts and reportedly argued with members of the public.
During this incident, Councillor Izzy Knowles attempted to inform them that they were committing an offence under Section 132 of the Highways Act 1980, but they continued their activities. The flags were later removed, and Councillor Knowles has since written to the council requesting firm action, including either a summons to court or an injunction against the group.
Council's Commitment to Inclusive Communities
Councillor Leffman reaffirmed the council's pride in Oxfordshire's diverse communities, noting that it was the first county council to be awarded Local Authority of Sanctuary status. She stated, "We proudly fly the Union Jack and St George’s flags, which are visible symbols of democracy and unity," but distinguished this from the group's actions which she said undermine community cohesion.
The council asserts its responsibility to act when behaviour threatens the safe and inclusive use of public spaces. Leffman concluded, "We won’t hesitate to take further legal steps where necessary to protect residents and support the cohesion of our communities."
