World News
Birmingham seeks High Court injunction to stop group erecting flags on infrastructure
The legal action follows reports of harassment and obstruction aimed at council staff and contractors removing unauthorized displays.
The short version
- Birmingham City Council has applied for a High Court injunction to stop members of the anti-migrant group Raise the Colours from putting flags on public infrastructure.
- The application names campaign co-founder Ryan Bridge, seven other individuals, and persons unknown.
- The council cited evidence of harassment, intimidation, and obstruction directed at staff and contractors tasked with taking down unauthorized displays.
Key facts
- Birmingham City Council is seeking a High Court injunction against members of Raise the Colours to prevent unauthorized flag displays on public highways and infrastructure.[The Guardian]
- The legal application names co-founder Ryan Bridge, seven additional individuals, and persons unknown.[The Guardian]
- The council stated its legal action relies on evidence of harassment, intimidation, or obstruction of personnel assigned to clear unauthorized attachments.[The Guardian]
- Oxfordshire County Council secured a permanent High Court injunction in July against unauthorized flag displays under similar circumstances involving threats to workers and residents.[The Guardian]
- Raise the Colours stated it had not yet received or reviewed the court filings and denied trying to divide communities.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The High Court has not yet ruled on Birmingham City Council's injunction application.[The Guardian]
- Thames Valley Police have an ongoing investigation regarding Ryan Bridge's April arrest on suspicion of racially and religiously aggravated harassment, but no charges have been filed in that case.[The Guardian]