UK High Court blocks unauthorised flag displays on Oxfordshire lampposts

Oxfordshire County Council obtained a High Court injunction that prohibits any unknown persons from attaching flags to lampposts or painting insignia on highway structures in the county. The judgment, delivered by Mr Justice Dexter Dias, warned that breaching the order could result in asset seizure, unlimited fines or imprisonment.

The legal action follows the “Operation Raise the Colours” campaign, which has seen widespread placement of Union and St George’s Cross flags since August 2025. The judge noted safety risks, trespass and obstruction, and described how council workers have faced intimidation and abuse while removing the flags. Three campaign participants – Ben Cullen, Trudy Wells and Ryan Bridge – gave undertakings not to engage in further flag‑related activity, and a further injunction was placed on group member Kevin Good.