Birmingham City Council has applied to the High Court for an injunction to prevent unauthorised attachment of flags to street furniture and highway infrastructure across the city.
The application seeks powers to stop flag attachments without permission, prevent obstruction of the highway linked to such activity, and prohibit interference with council officers or contractors carrying out removal work. The council also seeks to address behaviour alleged to amount to harassment, alarm or distress towards council staff, contractors, elected members and members of the public.
Safety and Public Order Concerns
According to the council, unauthorised attachments to street furniture create highway safety risks, obstruct visibility, interfere with highway assets and contribute to tensions and disorder. The application refers to reported incidents involving alleged intimidation, harassment and obstruction connected to the erection and removal of flags.
Councillor Jane Baston, Cabinet Member for Equalities Communities and Social Justice, said the council is taking a lawful, proportionate and evidence-led approach. "Our priority is to protect public safety, staff and contractor welfare, community cohesion and the responsible use of public funds," she said.
Court Hearing
The interim injunction application will be considered by the High Court at 10.30am on Tuesday 8 September 2026 at the High Court – Birmingham Civil & Family Justice Centre, 33 Bull Street, Birmingham, B4 6DS.
Claim documents and the hearing bundle are available at www.birmingham.gov.uk/FlagsAttachmentsInjunction. Hard copies can be obtained from Main Reception, Birmingham City Council, Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB.
For legal enquiries, contact Mr Anthony Cox, City Solicitor, at HousingandCommunitySafetyLegal@birmingham.gov.uk or 0121 303 9385.
