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Residents in Birmingham have accused local authorities of failing to act swiftly against a campaign group that has been placing Union Jack and St George’s Cross flags on public infrastructure across the city, claiming the delays have allowed tensions to escalate.
The campaign, Raise the Colours, describes itself as a grassroots movement promoting national unity and patriotism. Since last summer, the group has installed flags on lamp-posts, roundabouts, and other public spaces throughout Birmingham.
While the organization says its goal is to celebrate British identity, critics argue that some of its activities have been linked to anti-immigration messaging and intimidation. The group has denied accusations of racism and discriminatory behavior.
Members of the community group Brummies United Against Racism say they have repeatedly met with Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) over the past six months, urging authorities to take stronger action.
One campaigner, identified only as Sara, said residents have submitted evidence including photographs, videos, and witness statements documenting alleged confrontations involving individuals connected to Raise the Colours.
According to Sara, local residents have experienced intimidation, threats, and online harassment, and she believes the council should have sought a legal injunction much earlier.
"We've been asking for action for months," she said, adding that any injunction now would come after prolonged delays.
Green Party councillor Duncan Ali acknowledged that the issue has become increasingly difficult for the council but insisted that legal measures are being pursued.
Ali said there is substantial evidence of alleged aggressive and intimidating behavior associated with the campaign and expressed confidence that the activities would eventually be brought to an end, even if legal action requires time and resources.
Campaigners have pointed to a recent legal victory in Oxfordshire, where the county council secured a High Court injunction banning the unauthorized installation of flags on or near public highways.
The injunction specifically named four individuals, including Raise the Colours co-founder Ryan Bridge. Following the ruling, those named agreed not to place or encourage others to place flags on public infrastructure within Oxfordshire.
Court documents also referenced incidents in which contractors attempting to remove flags allegedly faced hostility. Separately, Bridge has faced legal proceedings relating to unrelated incidents in Oxford and Brighton. He has previously denied wrongdoing connected to his activities.
Residents also highlighted a serious incident in Birmingham in May, when a man suffered significant injuries during an alleged hit-and-run after people had gathered to remove flags from public property.
West Midlands Police confirmed that two men were arrested in connection with the incident and later released on bail while investigations continue.
Another Birmingham resident, identified only as Adam, said confrontations over the flags frequently shifted from discussions about patriotism to broader debates over immigration.
West Midlands Police said responsibility for removing unauthorized flags from public infrastructure lies with the relevant local authority or highways agency.
Police stated that their role is to ensure such work can be carried out safely while preventing intimidation or breaches of the peace.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said he has consistently encouraged Birmingham City Council and the police to take firm action against any criminal behavior linked to the unauthorized display of flags, including seeking a civil injunction where appropriate.
Meanwhile, Birmingham City Council reiterated that attaching unauthorized items to public infrastructure is not permitted and confirmed that such items will be removed when identified.
The council also acknowledged that recent disputes surrounding the flags have heightened tensions in some communities and urged residents to act responsibly, avoid intimidation, and support community cohesion.
Raise the Colours has been approached for comment regarding the latest criticism but had not responded at the time of publication.
