Birmingham council moves to ban British and St George's flags 'to protect public safety'
Birmingham city council is planning to remove British and St George's flags from lampposts 'to protect public safety'.
The council – run by a coalition of the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and independents – launched legal action to ban the flags yesterday.
If granted an injunction, anyone who erects flags such as the Union Jack near roads without Birmingham Council's permission could face an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.
It follows a nationwide debate over whether British and St George's flags should be allowed, with some viewing them as a sign of patriotism while others deem them a display of nationalism aimed at intimidating ethnic minorities.
A campaign called Raise The Colours resulted in thousands of St George's crosses being put on lampposts, roundabouts and homes across the UK.
It was sparked by local disputes in Birmingham after councils took down the flags from public …