West Midlands council seeking injunction to ban activists putting flags up

A West Midlands council has applied to the High Court for an injunction relating to the unauthorised attachment of flags to ‘street furniture’ such as lampposts.

Birmingham City Council has applied for the measure, which includes an interim injunction and power of arrest, in a bid to prevent flags being attached to lampposts and other highway infrastructure without permission.

The council said this can create highway safety risks, obstruct visibility, interfere with highway assets and contribute to tensions and disorder.

The application aims to prevent highway obstructions, interference with council officers or contractors carrying out work, and stop any behaviour alleged to amount to harassment, alarm or distress.

The application also refers to reported incidents involving alleged intimidation, harassment and obstruction connected to the erection and removal of flags.

Flags began appearing around the country as well as in Birmingham last year, with various groups behind the movement.

It followed growing tensions around immigration across the UK.

Union and St George's flags were put up on lampposts in several suburbs, leading to angry clashes with opposing groups and residents who claimed their actions were divisive rather than patriotic.

Councillor Jane Baston, Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for equalities communities and social justice, said: “The council is taking a lawful, proportionate and evidence-led approach to unauthorised attachments on the highway.

“This includes pursuing injunctive action based on the evidence gathered to date.

“Our priority is to protect public safety, staff and contractor welfare, community cohesion and the responsible use of public funds.

“We ask residents and community groups to support this approach and to ensure any displays are placed only where permission exists.”

The application will be considered by the court at the first hearing of the Interim Injunction Application at 10.30am on September 8 at the High Court – Birmingham Civil & Family Justice Centre, in Bull Street, Birmingham.

Information relating to the claim can be found at: www.birmingham.gov.uk/FlagsAttachmentsInjunction

Hard copies of the claim documents can be obtained from Main Reception, Birmingham City Council, Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB.