Birmingham residents accuse council of slow action on flag group
13 reported
Birmingham residents have accused the local council and police of “dragging their heels” and giving “free rein” to a group responsible for erecting flags across the city. Raise the Colours, which describes itself as a grassroots movement, has been placing union jack and St George’s cross flags on lamp-posts, roundabouts and other public infrastructure since last summer. Although its website states it is a “campaign to cover Britain in symbols of unity and patriotism”, others have accused the group of racism and spreading anti-immigration rhetoric – claims it has denied. Residents said they had met the city council and the West Midlands police and crime commissioner (PCC) several times in six months, highlighting concerns about the group’s conduct. A member of the Brummies United Against Racism group said she wants the council to seek an injunction against the group. A Green party councillor said the council was in a “quagmire” over the issue but his party was committed to ensuring action would be taken. The article notes that Oxfordshire county council successfully secured a high court injunction preventing the unauthorised hanging of flags, specifically naming four individuals, including the Raise the Colours co-founder, Ryan Bridge.
What’s reported
Raise the Colours has been placing union jack and St George’s cross flags on public infrastructure in Birmingham since last summer.
The group’s website says it is a “campaign to cover Britain in symbols of unity and patriotism”; others have accused it of racism and anti-immigration rhetoric, which the group denies.
Residents met the city council and West Midlands PCC Simon Foster several times over six months to raise concerns.
A resident from Brummies United Against Racism said the council has been “dragging their heels” about removing flags.
Green party councillor Duncan Ali said the council is in a “quagmire” but his party is committed to action.
Oxfordshire county council secured a high court injunction against unauthorised flag hanging, naming four individuals including Raise the Colours co-founder Ryan Bridge.
In Oxford, contractors removing flags faced “hostility and obstruction”; Bridge was arrested in Oxford on suspicion of causing religiously and racially aggravated harassment in April.
Bridge has been charged with common assault by Sussex police after an incident in Brighton in June.
In May, a man was seriously injured in a hit-and-run after a group gathered to remove flags; two men were arrested and released on bail.
Residents cited a 10-year France travel ban against Bridge and others after the French interior ministry said “far-right” activists attempted to stop migrants crossing the Channel.
West Midlands police said flag removal is a matter for the local authority; the force said it will listen to community concerns.
PCC Simon Foster said he has encouraged the council and police to take proactive action, including a civil injunction.
Birmingham city council said unauthorised items on public infrastructure are not permitted and will be removed.
Key figures
Sara* (member of Brummies United Against Racism, name changed)
Duncan Ali (Green party councillor)
Simon Foster (West Midlands police and crime commissioner)
Ryan Bridge (Raise the Colours co-founder)
Adam* (Birmingham resident, name changed)
Sources: The Guardian
