Oxfordshire council take legal action against flag raisers

Oxfordshire County Council has launched a legal bid to prevent the unauthorised placement of flags on or near public highways, with a High Court hearing scheduled for 23rd June.

The move follows months of activity linked to the online campaign Operation Raise the Colours, which has encouraged the display of Union and St George’s Cross flags on public infrastructure. The campaign has prompted debate across the country, with some councils removing flags from public property while critics have argued the practice has become associated with intimidation and exclusion.

The county council said flags had continued to be placed on or near roads despite a formal legal notice issued in March and pre-action legal letters sent to individuals in May.

According to the authority, the issue has raised concerns over highway safety, trespass and obstruction. The council also said residents and staff had experienced harassment and confrontations when flags were removed.

Council leader Tim Bearder said the authority supports residents’ rights to display flags on private property and continues to fly both the Union flag and St George’s flag at County Hall. However, he said the legal action was intended to address activity that had created safety concerns and caused distress within communities.

The developments come as Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown criticised a decision by the Oxford Union to host Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, aka Tommy Robinson, at a debate.

Brown said she was concerned about the potential impact of the event on Oxford’s diverse communities and highlighted opposition from faith leaders and local residents.

She added: ‘I urge the Oxford Union to reflect seriously on the consequences of its choices – not only for its own reputation, but the message this event sends about Oxford and its values.’

She also warned that a large security operation involving police resources and road closures would cause disruption for residents and businesses. Brown said the Oxford Union should meet the full costs associated with staging the event rather than leaving taxpayers to bear the expense.