Birmingham City Council is seeking an emergency injunction against members of the anti-migrant group 'Raise the Colours' over allegations of "criminal" flag-raising that causes "danger, injury, alarm and distress", a court has heard.
Jonathan Manning, representing the council at the High Court in Birmingham, stated that people have reported feeling "significantly less safe" following incidents including one man suffering a broken leg after being hit by a cherry picker. The council argues the group has been acting unlawfully for a year as part of its 'Stop the Boats' campaign.
The injunction aims to prevent flags and other attachments from being placed on lamp-posts, street furniture, and highways locations without authority, which is already a criminal offence. Ryan Bridge, founder of 'Raise the Colours', stated he would fight the action, claiming it is against the European Convention on Human Rights.
The court heard allegations of erratic driving, cherry pickers blocking pavements, and angry confrontations with residents. Councillor Izzy Knowles described the group as "intimidating and provocative" when she attempted to engage with them. MP Al Carns reportedly received concerns from over 120 residents.
The council clarified it is not seeking to penalise expressions of opinion, but rather to prevent all flags, including Palestinian and Pride flags, from being attached to street furniture unlawfully without council permission. The case is now against two named individuals, Ryan Bridge and Ben Cullen, and "persons unknown".
The court was adjourned until 2 November, when it will hear from Mr Bridge's lawyer.