Council's flag injunction case returns to court on Wednesday

Birmingham City Council's application for a High Court injunction to stop flags being attached to lampposts and other street furniture will return to court on Wednesday.

The second hearing is due to take place at 10.30am on Wednesday 30 September at the Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre on Bull Street.

Why the case was adjourned

The first hearing took place on Tuesday 8 September before Her Honour Judge Emma Kelly, sitting as a judge of the High Court. It was adjourned, and directions were given to allow the defendants time to consider the evidence and to give those who wanted to attend, but could not on 8 September, the chance to do so.

What the council is asking for

The council lodged its application on 26 August. It is seeking an injunction against unauthorised flag attachments to street furniture across the city, citing highway safety and past threats made to workers who removed flags.

The application names Ryan Bridge, a co-founder of the Operation Raise the Colours campaign, seven other individuals and "persons unknown".

The wider debate

Union flags and St George's flags have appeared on lampposts and bridges in many towns and cities since the summer of 2025. Supporters say they are a display of national pride. Councils have argued that attaching items to lampposts without permission can be dangerous and that they have a duty to keep highways safe.

The council has said its application is about public safety. Campaigners have criticised it.

What an injunction does

An injunction is a court order that requires people to do, or not do, something. Breaking one can be treated as contempt of court. An injunction against persons unknown can apply to anyone who carries out the prohibited activity, not only to the people named.

Following the case

The council publishes court documents and updates about the application on its website.