Birmingham flag case: free public hearing on 8 September
A free public High Court hearing concerning unauthorised flag attachments in Birmingham will begin at 10.30am on Tuesday 8 September 2026. It will take place at the High Court – Birmingham Civil & Family Justice Centre, 33 Bull Street, Birmingham, B4 6DS.
The hearing is open to the general public and may be of particular interest to residents and community groups following the dispute. Birmingham City Council’s notice does not specify a separate booking process.
This is the first hearing of the Interim Injunction Application made by Birmingham City Council. The council has applied for an injunction, including an interim injunction and a power of arrest, relating to flags attached without permission to street furniture and highway infrastructure across the city. The application remains for the court to consider.
What the council is asking the court to restrict
The proposed injunction would prevent flags from being attached to street furniture or highway infrastructure without permission. It also covers obstruction of the highway linked to that activity and interference with council officers or contractors carrying out removal work.
The application additionally addresses behaviour alleged to cause harassment, alarm or distress to council employees, contractors, elected members and members of the public. These points form part of the council’s claim; they are allegations presented for consideration rather than findings already made by the High Court.
Birmingham City Council says unauthorised attachments can obstruct visibility, interfere with highway assets and create safety risks. Its application also refers to reported incidents of alleged intimidation, harassment and obstruction connected with the erection and removal of flags.
Which flag displays the case concerns
The application concerns attachments made without permission to public street furniture and highway infrastructure. It does not state that every display of a flag in Birmingham is covered.
Councillor Jane Baston, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Communities and Social Justice, described the council’s approach as lawful, proportionate and based on evidence gathered to date. She said the council’s priorities include public safety, staff and contractor welfare, community cohesion and the responsible use of public funds.
The council has asked residents and community groups to ensure displays are placed only where permission exists. For people following the case, the September hearing is the next confirmed stage at which the interim injunction application will be considered.
Documents and visitor information
Claim documents and the hearing bundle are available through Birmingham City Council’s Flags Attachments Injunction webpage. Hard copies can be obtained from Main Reception at the Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB.
The council identifies City Solicitor Anthony Cox as its legal representative. Case enquiries can be directed to HousingandCommunitySafetyLegal@birmingham.gov.uk or 0121 303 9385.
The published notice gives no end time, transport guidance or accessibility arrangements. Anyone requiring those details will therefore need to seek confirmation separately before attending. The confirmed public hearing begins at 10.30am on 8 September at the Birmingham Civil & Family Justice Centre.
Source: Birmingham City Council
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- 2026-09-01 15:26
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