A minister representing the United Reformed Church has supported Oxfordshire County Council’s decision to ban England flags from being displayed across the county.

The URC Wessex Synod has voiced its agreement with the official legal notice published at the end of last month.

Raise the Colours Oxfordshire has been putting up England and UK flags throughout the region, calling their campaign patriotic.

Nevertheless, the initiative has attracted considerable criticism, with allegations that some involved have frightened members of the public and council staff.

Oxfordshire County Council has revealed it spent £15,000 on taking down the flags.

Council representatives indicated the flag displays constituted not patriotism but rather intimidation and division that was causing real damage to local communities.

Revd Dr Michael Hopkins, who leads the URC Wessex Synod, praised the council’s position and commitment to social cohesion. He said congregations should represent hope rather than fear, that the church supported any action that made streets and public spaces safe, respectful, and welcoming for all. As the A Million Acts of Hope campaign approaches, the church wanted to celebrate efforts bringing communities together and affirm its belief in a divine presence that leads people away from division toward compassion, justice, and living together.

The URC is partnering with various religious groups and organisations to support the national A Million Acts of Hope initiative planned for May.

The church stated the campaign seeks to show that what people share matters more than what divides them.

Oxfordshire County Council leader Liz Leffman said the council valued Oxfordshire’s diverse communities and took pride in being the first county council to gain local authority of sanctuary status. The Union Jack and St George’s flag were displayed proudly as clear symbols of democracy and unity. However, the widespread flag placements carried out by Raise the Colours did not represent patriotism. They amounted to intimidation and division actively damaging neighbourhoods. Local residents reported feeling disturbed, unwelcome, and unsafe in their own streets. Staff members removing the flags, along with community residents who had challenged those installing them, had experienced abusive and threatening behaviour. This was entirely unacceptable.

The council has deployed security personnel during flag removal operations following incidents of aggressive behaviour.

Thames Valley Police launched a criminal investigation into a confrontational incident while flags were being installed along Abingdon Road in Oxford in March.

The force stated it would take appropriate action against anyone committing criminal offences wherever such violations occurred.