Residents in Birmingham have expressed frustration with local authorities over their response to the activities of Raise the Colours, a grassroots group that has been placing Union Jack and St George’s flags on public infrastructure across the city since last summer. Some community members have accused the group of promoting racism and anti-immigration views, allegations that Raise the Colours has denied, describing their campaign as aimed at promoting unity and patriotism.

Local activists, including members of Brummies United Against Racism, have lobbied Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands police and crime commissioner over several months, seeking more decisive action against Raise the Colours. Sara*, a representative of the community group, said that despite multiple meetings presenting evidence such as statements, videos, and images documenting confrontations linked to the group, the authorities had been slow to act. She called for an injunction to prevent further flag-raising, describing the delay as giving the group "a free rein" in the city.

Duncan Ali, a Green party councillor involved in the minority administration alongside the Liberal Democrats and Better Birmingham, acknowledged the complexity of the issue but affirmed the council’s commitment to addressing the situation. Ali cited substantial evidence of aggressive and intimidating behaviour associated with Raise the Colours and indicated that this evidence was part of a request for legal action against the group.

The situation in Birmingham follows a similar legal development in Oxfordshire, where the county council obtained a high court injunction to bar unauthorised display of flags, including both the Union Jack and St George’s Cross, on or near public highways. The injunction specifically named Raise the Colours co-founder Ryan Bridge among four individuals. Oxfordshire council reported that contractors charged with removing flags faced hostility and obstruction. Bridge was also arrested earlier this year on suspicion of causing religiously and racially aggravated harassment.

Birmingham City Council, West Midlands police and crime commissioner Simon Foster, and Raise the Colours were approached for comment but had not provided responses at the time of reporting.

*Name changed to protect identity.