People could face prosecution for flying St George’s and Union Jack flags as part of the crackdown on “divisive” behaviour.
Campaigners could be prosecuted for flying flags in Oxfordshire under the new rules (Image: PA)
A UK council has formally recognised the installation of St George’s flags under Operation Raise the Colours as “an act of intimidation and division”. Oxfordshire County Council said the widespread placing of flags across the county was “having a real and damaging impact on communities” in an official rebuke to the Raise the Colours campaign. The group spearheaded the installation of St George’s and Union Jack flags in towns and cities around the UK last summer, in a trend celebrated as patriotic by some and slammed as xenophobic for its association with migrant hotel protests by others.
Council leader Liz Leffman said residents were left feeling “distressed, unwelcome and unsafe in their own neighbourhoods” by the campaign, with over 200 complaints reportedly lodged with the Liberal Democrat-run local authority. “We are proud of our diverse communities in Oxfordshire and of being the first county council to be awarded Local Authority of Sanctuary status,” she said.
The Liberal Democrat-run county council issued the notice in late March (Image: Getty)
“We proudly fly the Union Jack and St George’s flags, which are visible symbols of democracy and unity.
“However, the widespread installation of flags by Raise the Colours is not a sign of patriotism. It is an act of intimidation and division that is having a real and damaging impact on our communities.”
The council, which revealed it had spent over £15,000 removing flags from local lampposts in January, also said staff were subject to “totally unacceptable” abuse and threatening behaviour while carrying out the work.
“The council has a responsibility to act where behaviour undermines community cohesion and the safe and inclusive use of public spaces,” a spokesperson added.
The legal notice filed by the council requires individuals and organisations to stop placing flags around Oxfordshire or face penalties including civil and criminal action.
It comes after police launched a criminal investigation into a “confrontational” incident while flags were being put up on Abingdon Road in Oxford last week.
It allegedly involved a confrontation between members of the Raise the Colours group and residents, who at one point used a cherry picker to block access.
Thames Valley Police said in a statement on Friday: “We are aware of an incident that took place on Abingdon Road on Tuesday in relation to people raising flags on street furniture.
“We have opened an investigation into the incident and this is still ongoing. We have no further comments at this time but will share an update when we have one.”