Yesterday in High Court, leaders of the nationalist group Raise the Colours faced off against Oxfordshire County Council, leading to a landmark agreement that will see them halt their contentious flag-hoisting activities across the county. The decision follows weeks of tension, as the council pursued an injunction alleging unlawful actions and intimidation of staff by the group.
At the hearing, representatives Ryan Bridge, Ben Cullen, and Trudy Wells – who were acting in their personal capacity – confirmed they would no longer erect England flags on council property or encourage others to do so. They also pledged not to obstruct council workers tasked with removing existing flags. In a separate development, group leader Kevin Good reportedly agreed to distance himself from flag-related activities in Oxfordshire, although he was not present at the hearing.
Raise the Colours, which began placing flags nationwide last August, has been at the centre of a long-running controversy. According to court proceedings, this marks a significant step back for the campaign, with key figures agreeing to adhere to the council's terms. The court heard that individuals can still display flags on their own private property, a clarification provided by Mr Justice Dias in response to a question from Ryan Bridge.
Oxfordshire County Council – led by Liberal Democrats – cited specific examples of alleged lawbreaking, including the 'repeated and unlawful' attachment of flags, encouragement of others to do so, and refusal to desist despite repeated requests. The council also accused members of obstructing staff and contractors attempting to remove flags from highway structures, as well as intimidating employees through 'naming and shaming'. A councillor was allegedly targeted, with hostile emails sent in January 2026.
Mr Justice Dias indicated his support for the council's application for an injunction, pending agreement on the final wording of the order. The defendants have agreed to sign a written undertaking to comply with such an injunction, marking a significant shift in their stance and bringing an end to the protracted dispute in Oxfordshire.
The court documents detailing the council's request outlined the four main areas of concern: attaching flags or causing them to be attached to highway structures; painting or marking flags on highways; obstructing staff from removing flags; and causing distress to employees involved in removal efforts. The agreement reached yesterday aims to bring a halt to these activities, which have caused tension within the community.