Birmingham City Council will return to the High Court on Monday 2 November 2026 for a third hearing of its application for an interim injunction relating to unauthorised flag attachments to street furniture and highway infrastructure.
The hearing will take place at Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre, 33 Bull Street, Birmingham, B4 6DS at 10.30am. A second hearing was held on 30 September 2026, which was adjourned to allow defendants sufficient time to present their case to the judge.
What the Council is Seeking
The Council's application seeks to prevent the attachment of flags to street furniture and highway infrastructure without permission, the obstruction of the highway linked to such activity, interference with council officers or contractors carrying out removal work, and behaviour alleged to amount to harassment, alarm or distress towards council staff, contractors, elected members and members of the public.
The Council states that unauthorised attachments to street furniture can create highway safety risks, obstruct visibility, interfere with highway assets and contribute to tensions and disorder. The application also refers to reported incidents involving alleged intimidation, harassment and obstruction connected to the erection and removal of flags.
Council Statement
Councillor Jane Baston, Cabinet Member for Equalities Communities and Social Justice, said: "The Council is taking a lawful, proportionate and evidence-led approach to unauthorised attachments on the highway. This includes pursuing injunctive action based on the evidence gathered to date.
"Our priority is to protect public safety, staff and contractor welfare, community cohesion and the responsible use of public funds. We ask residents and community groups to support this approach and to ensure any displays are placed only where permission exists."
Access to Case Documents and Contact Information
Information relating to the claim, including claim documents and the hearing bundle, can be found at www.birmingham.gov.uk/FlagsAttachmentsInjunction
Hard copies of the claim documents can be obtained from Main Reception, Birmingham City Council, Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB.
The legal representative is Mr Anthony Cox (City Solicitor), Legal & Governance Department, Birmingham City Council, Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB. Email: HousingandCommunitySafetyLegal@birmingham.gov.uk, telephone: 0121 303 9385.
