Birmingham City Council Seeks High Court Injunction to Address Unauthorised Flag Attachments and Protect Public Safety

Birmingham City Council has applied to the High Court for an injunction, including an interim injunction and power of arrest, relating to the unauthorised attachment of flags to street furniture and highway infrastructure across Birmingham.

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.

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.

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.”

The application will be considered by the court at the first hearing of the Interim Injunction Application at 10.30am on Tuesday 8 September 2026 at the High Court – Birmingham Civil & Family Justice Centre, 33 Bull Street, Birmingham, B4 6DS.

Access to Case Documents

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.

Legal representative: 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.