Birmingham City Council is confronted with a substantial bill of up to £2.6 million to remove approximately 20,000 flags installed across the city without consent. This high cost reflects additional expenses such as security measures and night-time working, necessary amid fears of harassment and intimidation towards workers engaged in the removal process, according to recently disclosed court papers.
The council had initially tasked its highways contractor, Keir, with the removal of the flags. However, following reports of threats and abuse directed at operatives, Keir has declined to continue the work, citing concerns for the health and safety of its staff. Consequently, the council engaged private contractors, receiving quotes that estimate removal costs at around £132 per flag. This brings the total projected expenditure to £2.64 million.
Mark Shelswell, the council’s Director of Highways and Infrastructure, stated that these financial demands are beyond the council’s current means and would necessitate diverting funds from other essential projects. The issue is to be addressed in a forthcoming High Court hearing in Birmingham on Tuesday, 8 September. The court will consider an injunction application aimed at halting further flagging across neighbourhoods and main routes.
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Seven defendants connected with the group Raise the Colours, as well as others involved in unauthorised flag installations, will have the opportunity to oppose the injunction.
Council documents highlight a significant surge in unauthorised attachments to highway structures over the past 18 months, predominantly flags on lampposts, signposts, and pedestrian guard railings. The council estimates around 20,000 such flags are currently displayed without approval.
The removal efforts have been hampered by threats and intimidation experienced by both council staff and contractors. Several operatives have expressed safety concerns and, in some cases, ceased work altogether. Keir has formally stated that it will no longer deploy its workforce for removal tasks due to these health and safety considerations.
An alternative contractor has been appointed, but removal is now restricted to night-time hours and requires security support to mitigate risks. Community tensions surrounding the flags remain high.
Mohammed Khan, community safety partnership manager for the council, emphasised that the council does not endorse any political viewpoint nor prioritise one over another. The injunction sought would prohibit all flag flying from street infrastructure without prior authorisation, including those depicting Palestinian flags.
He noted that some individuals involved in erecting flags have responded with aggression, intimidation, and even violence when challenged, creating a heightened sense of unease within communities.
West Midlands Police have reported that the ongoing flagging incidents and related confrontations have placed a sustained and disproportionate strain on police resources. This includes extensive call handling, neighbourhood policing, investigations connected to Raise the Colours, intelligence gathering, and monitoring of protests.
Sergeant Gareth Sankey from West Midlands Police highlighted in his statement that the situation has escalated beyond mere flag placements to include serious allegations such as intimidation, criminal damage, public disorder, assaults, and ongoing criminal investigations.
Local political figures, including Birmingham Selly Oak MP Steve McCabe, Liberal Democrat councillor Izzy Knowles, and Green Party councillor Roxanne Green, have publicly shared their concerns regarding the impact of the flagging activities.
In response to the proposed £2.6 million expenditure for flag removal, Birmingham’s Reform UK group criticised the council’s approach, arguing that leaving the flags in place would be preferable. Cllr Rajbir Singh, Reform UK’s shadow cabinet member for finance, remarked: “Birmingham is still recovering from catastrophic financial failure. Residents are already paying the price through significant council tax increases and reductions in the services they depend on."
He added, “To spend millions on removing flags across the city at a time when services are being cut and finances repaired is an extraordinary priority choice. Our national flags are symbols of pride and should be displayed freely.”
The Reform UK statement acknowledged that genuine safety threats and illegal behaviour require firm action but cautioned against launching an extensive, costly campaign against residents wishing to display the Union Flag and St George’s Cross with pride.