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Leader of flag campaign pleads not guilty to offences

Katharine Da CostaBBC South Investigations
News imagePress Association Ryan Bridge arriving at Oxford Magistrates' Court. He is wearing a navy blue coat with a light blue shirt and tie. He has grey hair that is tied back. There is a second man out of focus in the background.Press Association
Ryan Bridge appeared at Oxford Magistrates' Court on Tuesday

The leader of a group responsible for raising Union Jack and St George's Cross flags across England has pleaded not guilty to a string of offences including racially aggravated harassment, threatening behaviour and assault.

Ryan Bridge, 45, of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, co-founded the nationalist group Raise the Colours, which has been hoisting flags on lamp-posts since August last year.

Thames Valley Police charged Bridge in September with 14 offences from a two-month period in Oxfordshire from 31 January 2026.

He is due to appear at Oxford Crown Court on 3 December in connection with three counts of racially aggravated harassment, one count of common assault and one count of public order.

Wearing a grey suit and black tie, Bridge spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth at Oxford Magistrates' Court.

News imagePress Association Ryan Bridge (right), founder of Raise the Colours, arriving at Oxford Magistrates' Court. He is wearing a navy blue coat with a shirt and tie and grey trousers. He is holding one side of a union flag that says Stop the Boats. There are six other people visible next to or behind the flag.Press Association
Bridge, right, was joined outside court by some of his supporters

Bridge will appear at the court on 12 and 21 April in relation to seven public order offences and one count of common assault.

In July, Oxfordshire County Council was granted a High Court injunction to stop people placing flags near highways because of safety concerns, trespass and obstruction.

Birmingham City Council is expecting a judgement this week after applying for a similar injunction, which was heard at the High Court in Birmingham.

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