Court grants injunction to stop flag displays on Oxfordshire lampposts
Legal action taken by Oxfordshire County Council over public safety concerns
Oxfordshire County Council has successfully secured a High Court injunction to halt the unauthorised affixing of flags on lampposts across the county.
The legal action aims to address safety risks, as well as issues of trespass and obstruction caused by flags placed near highways following an online campaign known as Operation Raise The Colours.
The widespread display of Union and St George’s Cross flags has led to a contentious situation, with local authorities intervening to remove these flags from public infrastructure.
Amid political debate over the flag removals, concerns have been raised about the motivations behind the increased displays, with some alleging ties to xenophobia or racism.
Despite legal notices issued in March and pre-action letters in May, flags have continued to appear, prompting the council to seek legal remedies.
In his judgment, Mr Justice Dexter Dias ordered individuals not to affix flags to highway structures or paint them on roads in Oxfordshire.
The injunction enables potential penalties for breaches, including asset seizures, unlimited fines, or imprisonment.
Mr Justice Dexter Dias emphasised the unidentified status of many involved in placing the flags and described the ongoing challenges faced by the council in removing unauthorised displays.
Council workers and contractors, facing obstruction and abuse, have struggled to perform flag removal duties, with some experiencing intimidation or threats.
The judge noted the persistence of flag displays since August 2025 and expressed pessimism about resolution without judicial intervention.
The judgment follows undertakings from Operation Raise The Colours participants Ben Cullen, Trudy Wells, and Ryan Bridge, pledging to refrain from future flag-related activities.
An injunction was also granted against group member Kevin Good.
Authorities remain vigilant in upholding public safety and lawful conduct across Oxfordshire's highways.