Raise the Colours given formal notice to stop placing England flags

The notice, issued by Oxfordshire County Council on Monday afternoon, March 30, means that any individual or organisation must stop putting the flags up in public areas.

The county council said it has taken action following the repeated installation of flags on or near highways without consent.

If the group does not comply with the letter, the council will consider all available options to include, but not limited to, civil and criminal proceedings against the organisation and individuals affiliated with it to prevent further unauthorised action.

A group from Raise the Colours were hanging flags on Abingdon Road on Tuesday (Image: Elsie from the block)

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Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The scale and persistence of this activity is affecting communities across Oxfordshire.

“We are proud of our diverse communities in Oxfordshire and of being the first county council to be awarded Local Authority of Sanctuary status.

“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.

“Our residents report feeling distressed, unwelcome and unsafe in their own neighbourhoods.

“Our teams removing the flags, together with residents who have challenged the individuals installing them, have been subject to abuse and threatening behaviour. This is totally unacceptable.

(Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

“The council has a responsibility to act where behaviour undermines community cohesion and the safe and inclusive use of public spaces. That is why we are taking firm action.

“We won’t hesitate to take further legal steps where necessary to protect residents and support the cohesion of our communities.”

In a social media statement last week, group leader Ben Cullen declared “war” on Oxfordshire County Council, saying his group will be going out on nights contractors are removing flags.

It comes as police launch a criminal investigation into a “confrontational” incident while England flags were being put up along Oxford’s Abingdon Road last week.

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The incident allegedly involved a cherry picker blockading access on the evening of March 24 and residents being unhappy with the presence of those putting flags up.

In a statement late on Friday, police said it is aware of the incident and has opened an investigation.

“We have no further comments at this time but will share an update when we have one,” a spokesman said.

Anna Railton, Oxford City Councillor for Hinksey Park (Labour) said: “This group of people are not welcome back to Oxford.”

MP for Oxford East Anneliese Dodds added she was “very concerned” to hear about the incident and their “apparently intimidating behaviour” towards residents.