Birmingham Council has come under increasing pressure after residents accused the local authority and police of failing to act against a group responsible for placing England and Union flags across public spaces in the city.
Raise the Colours, which describes itself as a grassroots movement promoting patriotism and national unity, has been installing Union Jack and St George’s Cross flags on lamp posts, roundabouts and other public infrastructure across Birmingham since last summer. While the organisation says it aims to celebrate British identity, critics have accused it of promoting anti-immigration rhetoric and fostering intimidation, allegations the group denies.
Residents claim Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police have been slow to respond despite repeated meetings over the past six months. Community members say they have submitted evidence, including photographs, videos and witness statements, highlighting alleged confrontations involving supporters of the campaign.
Members of the anti-racism campaign group Brummies United Against Racism have urged the council to seek a court injunction to prevent further unauthorised flags from being erected. Campaigners argue that delays have allowed the group to continue its activities without meaningful intervention.
Local Green Party councillor Duncan Ali said the council was gathering evidence to support legal action, describing reports of intimidation and aggressive behaviour as deeply concerning. He insisted action would eventually be taken, although he acknowledged the process could take time.
The calls for stronger action follow a similar case in Oxfordshire, where the county council secured a High Court injunction banning the unauthorised installation of flags on public highways. The order specifically named several individuals, including Raise the Colours co-founder Ryan Bridge, preventing them from erecting or encouraging others to erect flags in the county.
According to court documents, Oxfordshire contractors removing flags had faced hostility and obstruction. Bridge was also arrested in Oxford on suspicion of religiously and racially aggravated harassment. Separately, he has been charged by Sussex Police with common assault following an incident in Brighton. He has previously denied wrongdoing, stating that his activities in France, where he and others received a travel ban, were intended to document border issues rather than commit offences.
Residents in Birmingham also pointed to a serious hit-and-run incident in May, during which a man was injured after a group gathered to remove flags. West Midlands Police confirmed that two men were arrested in connection with the incident before being released on bail while enquiries continue.
Campaigners argue that confrontations surrounding the flags frequently escalate into heated discussions about immigration, claiming the issue has fuelled tensions within local communities.
West Midlands Police said responsibility for removing unauthorised flags rests with the local authority or the relevant highways agency. The force added that its role is to ensure any removal takes place safely and without disorder while continuing to monitor community concerns.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said he had repeatedly urged both the council and police to take robust action, including seeking a civil injunction where appropriate, to address any criminal behaviour linked to the unauthorised displays.
Birmingham City Council reiterated that attaching flags or other unauthorised items to public infrastructure is not permitted and confirmed such items would be removed. The authority also acknowledged that recent flag-related activity had increased tensions in parts of the city and urged residents to act responsibly to help maintain community cohesion.
Raise the Colours has been approached for comment.