Second hearing of Birmingham City Council’s high court injunction application to address unauthorised flag attachments to take place

The Council's application was considered at a hearing held at Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre on 8 September 2026. The hearing was adjourned and directions were given to allow the defendants time to consider the evidence, and to enable those defendants who wished to attend but were unable to do so on 8 September to attend the adjourned hearing.

The second hearing is set to take place at Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre on Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 10.30am.

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 second hearing of the Interim Injunction Application on Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 10.30am 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: [email protected], telephone: 0121 303 9385.

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