Birmingham's two largest opposition political groups have condemned the city council's application for a High Court injunction to stop campaigners from attaching Union Jacks and St George's Cross flags to lampposts and bridges across the city.
Reform UK, the official opposition on the council, and the Conservative group have both spoken out against the legal move, which targets the Raise the Colours organisation and seven named individuals, as well as "Persons Unknown". The council leadership, a coalition of the Green Party, Liberal Democrats and Better Birmingham Independents, submitted evidence to the High Court in support of the application.
Council defends 'lawful and proportionate' action
Coun Jane Baston, Green Party cabinet member for equalities, communities and social justice, defended the council's approach. "The council is taking a lawful, proportionate and evidence-led approach to unauthorised attachments on the highway," she said. "This includes pursuing injunctive action based on the evidence gathered to date."
Baston added that the priority is "to protect public safety, staff and contractor welfare, community cohesion and the responsible use of public funds." The council's court submissions argue that the installation and reinstallation of flags has an impact on the public, citing incidents of harassment, intimidation or obstruction during removal activity.
The application has received mixed reactions. Anti-racism campaigners and some community leaders have backed the decision, with some calling it "overdue". Brummies United Against Racism and Hate Crime pointed to a series of criminal allegations facing several prominent members of the flagging movement as evidence that the movement is rooted in intimidation and division, a claim denied by Raise the Colours.
Reform UK and Conservatives hit back
Reform UK's Birmingham group leader, Coun Jex Parkin, said his group "condemns violence, threats and intimidation from anybody" but criticised the council's approach. "If somebody commits an offence, deal with that individual. But don't demonise patriotic residents who simply want to display our national flag," he said.
Parkin's statement highlighted the seriousness of the application: "It is extraordinary that we have reached a point where people peacefully displaying the Union Flag or St George's Cross could potentially find themselves before the courts, with breach of any eventual injunction carrying extremely serious consequences, including imprisonment."
Coun Robert Alden, leader of the Conservatives on the council, said in a social media post: "Our St George's and Union flags are a unifying force celebrating our shared culture and heritage. Disappointing to see Birmingham City Council taking this action. They should be enabling communities that want them, to have formal displays in their neighbourhoods."
What the injunction would and wouldn't do
The proposed injunction would impose a legally binding ruling against anyone who puts up unauthorised attachments, including flags, banners and signage, on highways. It would not prevent flags being displayed on private buildings, gardens or other private spaces, nor would it stop flags being flown on public buildings with permission.
Reform UK sought to contrast the council's treatment of different national flags. "Only weeks ago the Somali flag was officially raised outside Birmingham Council House with civic representatives present. Earlier this month the Pakistan flag was raised outside the Council House at a ceremony hosted by the Lord Mayor," the statement said. "There is something badly wrong if Birmingham City Council can proudly accommodate the national flags of countries around the world while people are made to feel that displaying the Union Flag or St George's Cross is somehow provocative."
Coun Alan Feeney, shadow cabinet member for city services and digital, said the legal action is not a priority for residents. "Birmingham has an ongoing bin strike, roads filled with potholes and travellers breaking onto parks across the city, costing the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds," he said. "The council's focus should be on dealing with these issues, not taking down flags that were placed as a symbol of national pride."
Coun Parkin added: "The Union Flag and St George's Cross belong to everybody. They are the flags of our country. If we reach a point where flying them is itself described as divisive, we've got a much deeper problem."
The city's Labour group, which was in power until May this year, welcomed the injunction and said it had been proposed for some months. Group leader Coun Nicky Brennan said: "We cannot allow a small group of people to attempt to divide the communities of Birmingham." Papers setting out the evidence have been submitted to the High Court.
