'Not a culture war': the council that won its case over England flags on lampposts
Leader of local authority in Oxfordshire faces backlash over injunction ‘to maintain neutral, safe space for residents’
TL;DR
- Oxfordshire county council obtained a high court injunction to stop the unauthorized hanging of English flags on lamp-posts.
- The council cited safety concerns, particularly on busy roads, and the need to maintain neutral public spaces for residents.
- Activists from Raise the Colours, who campaign to display national symbols, viewed the ruling negatively, accusing the council of being anti-flag.
- Council leader Tim Bearder clarified that the injunction targets objects attached to public infrastructure, not private flag displays.
- The council has faced criticism and online abuse, with some mistakenly believing it aims to ban all flag displays.
- The council spent approximately £50,000 on removing flags before pursuing legal action.
- Other councils are reportedly monitoring the situation and considering similar actions.