Birmingham's £2.6 million bill to remove unauthorised flags

Removing around 20,000 unauthorised flags across Birmingham could cost up to £2.6 million, according to court documents filed by the city council. The high cost stems from safety measures needed after threats and intimidation against workers. The council's highways contractor Keir refused to remove flags over health and safety fears, forcing the council to hire a private firm. That firm quoted £132 per flag due to security needs and night-time working, totalling £2.64 million, which the council says it cannot afford. The High Court will hear the council's injunction application on September 8th against seven defendants linked to Raise the Colours. The council says the flags, including Palestinian ones, have caused community tensions, with police reporting assaults and criminal investigations.