Leader of group behind flag campaign in England charged with 14 offences

Ryan Bridge, co-founder of the 'Raise the Colours' group, has been charged with 14 offences, including racially aggravated harassment and assault. The charges follow a campaign of unauthorized flag-raising across Oxfordshire.
Why it matters
The case raises questions regarding the limits of public protest and the legal consequences of unauthorized public demonstrations.
Thames Valley police said they had charged Ryan Bridge with 14 offences from a two-month period in Oxfordshire from 31 January 2026. Stock Photo/Alamy Live News. Thames Valley police said they had charged Ryan Bridge with 14 offences from a two-month period in Oxfordshire from 31 January 2026. Stock Photo/Alamy Live News. UK news Leader of group behind flag campaign in England charged with 14 offences Ryan Bridge, who co-founded Raise the Colours, to appear in court on charges including racially aggravated harassment
Prefer the Guardian on Google The leader of a group responsible for raising union jack and St George’s flags across England has been charged with 14 offences, including racially aggravated harassment, threatening behaviour and assault.
Ryan Bridge, 45, of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, co-founded Raise the Colours, which describes itself as a “grassroots movement for unity and patriotism”.
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