Oxfordshire County Council has secured a High Court injunction that bans the placement of flags on lampposts and other highway structures, following concerns over safety risks and intimidation of maintenance workers. The order, granted by Mr. Justice Dexter Dias, prohibits unknown individuals from attaching flags or painting insignia on roads within Oxfordshire.
Council maintenance staff have reported working in fear while removing unauthorized flags, with some instructed to wear face coverings and check their vehicles for trackers after a colleague's home address was published by campaigners. The judge noted that these workers have faced abuse and obstruction, at times leading them to abandon removal duties.
The legal action was prompted by a campaign called "Operation Raise the Colours," which has led to widespread display of Union and St George's Cross flags on public infrastructure across the country since last summer. Oxfordshire County Council stated that flags had been placed on or near public roads without permission for months, despite a formal legal notice in March and pre-action letters sent in May.
In his judgment, Mr. Justice Dexter Dias stated that the affixing of flags and painting of insignia had continued persistently since August 2025, with little prospect of cessation without an injunction. The injunction carries potential penalties for breach, including asset seizure, unlimited fines, or imprisonment.
The judgment follows undertakings from three individuals associated with Operation Raise the Colours – Ben Cullen, Trudy Wells, and Ryan Bridge – to cease future flag-related activities. An injunction was also granted against group member Kevin Good.
While the council stated it supports residents' rights to display flags on private property, council leader Tim Bearder emphasized the distinction between lawful expression and activities that endanger or intimidate communities. He described the behavior as unlawful, fostering fear and division, and not representative of national pride or unity.
Some local politicians have questioned the cost and necessity of the legal action. Conservative councillor Liam Walker suggested that taxpayers might question the expense, especially at a time of financial pressure on local authorities and stretched public services. A council spokesman, however, insisted the timing of the High Court hearing was unrelated to events like the World Cup.
Oxfordshire County Council reported removing and painting over over 333 flags in January alone, at an average cost of approximately £45 per flag, with total expenditure on flag removal reaching around £15,000. The "Operation Raise the Colours" campaign has faced criticism for its links to far-right groups, including accepting a donation from Britain First.
