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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 61
Oxford News By Hana Edition 61
Flying the flag
Mark Skipworth
June 25, 2026
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 61
Oxford Outlook: Flying the flag
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National flags, like national anthems, were once potent symbols of national unity. Some have origins lost in time (think England’s St George’s Cross flag), others are modern creations (think South Africa’s multi-coloured design).
But what do the flags really mean to the citizens of their respective countries these days? For England football fans in North America right now, waving the St George’s Cross flag is no more than an innocent display of support for our boys competing in the World Cup.
But what of the St George’s Cross and Union Jack flags flying on lampposts across Oxfordshire? After winning a High Court injunction, the county council has rightly ended the behaviour of a handful of activists who put them up.
The council brought the legal action because, it said, the unauthorised raising of flags near public highways posed a safety risk, caused an obstruction and committed a trespass. The activists promised to stop their activities and not to encourage others to put up flags, nor to obstruct any council worker or contractor taking them down.
So common sense, it seems, has prevailed.
What is contentious is the view of Oxfordshire County Council’s elders that the flags had caused “fear” within local communities, and “division”. They said the behaviour of the activists had nothing to do with national pride or with support for the England football team. The sheer number of flags being flown, it had been suggested, was a result of racism, plain and simple.
The whole episode has put genuine patriots in an invidious position. Is flying a national flag in any public space to be viewed in future as divisive, creating fear within communities?
I suppose we can always display the St George’s Cross flag on our own private property. After all, an Englishman’s home remains his castle – just about. And a “castle” must have a flag fluttering from its mock-Tudor timbers.
* Shutdown. Schools closing, rail and hospital disruption, due to a Met Office “danger to life” red warning for extreme heat. Temperatures in Oxford are forecast to top an energy-sapping 33-34°C again today (Thursday) after a hot and sticky Wednesday night.
What worries me is the reaction of several of my Oxfordshire compadres who say, somewhat casually, that we are just going to have to get used to these extreme weather conditions. Really?
Surely, no one (Trump excepted) now doubts that the climate is changing? Sooner, rather than later, we will all have to do our bit to save our little corner of this sceptred isle from wild fires in summer, floods in winter. Its rescue will require sacrifices, of course, but these soaring temperatures are hard to ignore.
As the heatwave intensified yesterday, Greggs announced it was temporarily closing several branches, including its shop in Wantage, to “protect our customers and colleagues during the severe hot weather”. Ancient towns having to go without the bakery chain’s classic hot sausage rolls? A line has been crossed.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
Continuing our analysis of areas which most resemble Oxford statistically, this week we zone in on Brighton & Hove.
Brighton - setting for a classic Graham Greene novel (Brighton Rock - 1938), a Queen track (Brighton Rock - 1974) and home to a pavilion and a pier. It’s a famously cool, laidback place by the seaside.
But how do the numbers stack up when Brighton (and Hove) is compared with Oxford? Here’s what the Office for National Statistics reveals…
Brighton ranks 12th in the table of areas most similar to Oxford. Lower than one might expect, but the table is skewed somewhat by London boroughs.
Population (2024)
Oxford: 166,034. Brighton: 283,870.
Brighton is bigger than Oxford in terms of people, by some margin. Folk retiring to the seaside might help explain it. But more likely is that Brighton is a long-established commute to the bright lights and jobs of London.
Population change (2024 - five year change)
Oxford: +3.3%. Brighton: +1.4%.
Oxford enjoys solid and stable population growth. Brighton seems stuck in the shingle.
Median age (2024)
Oxford: 31 years. Brighton: 37 years.
Oxford is relatively youthful. Brighton – perhaps surprisingly – is more grizzled. Older? Yes. Wiser? Time will tell.
Employment rate (2023)
Oxford: 80.8%. Brighton: 75.5%.
Oxford is the clear winner on this metric. Brighton needs to get on its bike, as the late (and not universally loved) Lord Tebbit might have said.
Average house price (March 2026)
Oxford: £473,994. Brighton: £403,808.
Punchy prices in both cities. They are popular places in which to live for a reason – they are just so damned lovely.
GCSEs in English and Maths (2024-2025)
Oxford: 69.3%. Brighton: 78.5%.
Oxford. Naughty step – again. This column has reported previously on Oxford’s poor performance on these critical education metrics. The city cannot simply jog on while a large number of kids are at risk of becoming simpletons.
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in and around Oxford…
Top Stories From Oxford This Week
Activists agree to stop hanging flags from Oxfordshire lampposts
BBC News · June 23, 2026
A group of four activists has agreed to cease displaying flags on lampposts in Oxfordshire after the county council successfully applied for a High Court injunction to end the behaviour. The council brought the legal action due to safety concerns and aggressive behaviour faced by council workers. The activists, including Ryan Bridge and Trudy Wells, expressed regret over the situation and pledged not to encourage further flag displays.
Oxfordshire schools close due to extreme hot weather Oxford Mail - June 24, 2026 The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning for Oxfordshire and other parts of southern England, prompting 102 schools and colleges to announce full or partial closures on June 24 and 25 due to expected temperatures soaring up to 39°C. Several others are operating on limited hours to ensure the safety of students and staff. |
Heatwave continues into Friday for Oxfordshire amid new Met Office alerts Oxford Mail - June 24, 2026 A red alert for extreme heat is in effect for June 24 and 25, with temperatures in some Oxfordshire places potentially reaching 40°C, threatening to break a long-standing June record. The Met Office warns of significant health risks, potential power outages and increased safety incidents as people seek relief in coastal areas amid this heatwave. |
Nine swimming pools and splash areas to beat the heat in Oxfordshire
This is Oxfordshire · June 24, 2026
Oxfordshire is under a Met Office red extreme heat warning with temperatures potentially exceeding 36°C, leading local authorities to advise against swimming in open waters. Families are encouraged to enjoy supervised swimming facilities and various parks featuring splash pads and shaded areas for safe cooling down during the heatwave.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King receives honorary Oxford degree BBC News - June 24, 2026 Tennis icon Billie Jean King and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern were honoured with honorary degrees at the University of Oxford's Encaenia ceremony, where a relaxed dress code was adopted due to the heatwave. King highlighted the significance of life-long learning during the event, which has celebrated achievements since 1670. |
Pothole-ridden road becomes test for potential fixes Yahoo News - June 22, 2026 Oxfordshire County Council has designated a 700m stretch of Wildmere Road Industrial Estate in Banbury as a test site for innovative pothole repair methods, with nine firms assessing 15 techniques to tackle the ongoing challenges posed by winter damage. The trials will be monitored over two years to determine their effectiveness and durability, following a previous assessment in Steventon. |
Dozens of rural speed limits in Oxfordshire could be chopped BBC News - June 25, 2026 Oxfordshire County Council is reviewing speed limits on around 60 rural A and B roads as part of its Vision Zero initiative to eliminate road deaths, following recent successful changes that reduced speeds from 60mph to 20mph on four roads near Witney. Transport chief Gareth Epps highlighted the need for safe and appropriate speed limits, noting that the last major review was conducted 15 years ago. |
Jeremy Clarkson in remission from prostate cancer BBC News - June 21, 2026 Jeremy Clarkson has announced he is in remission from prostate cancer, attributing his recovery to early detection and urging men to get regular tests to avoid the disease's deadly toll. His health challenges are a central theme of the fifth season of "Clarkson's Farm," where he shares his experiences with illness while providing an intimate look at his personal journey. |
UK police probing Oxford Union president over Hamas support New York Post - June 20, 2026 Arwa Elrayess, the 20-year-old president of the Oxford Union debating club, is under investigation by UK counter-terrorism police for calling Hamas "heroes" in leaked WhatsApp messages, leading to claims of normalising violence and potential violations of the Terrorism Act. Elrayess defends her comments as part of a broader discourse on resistance movements, arguing that the backlash is an attempt to silence her views. |
Top Oxford maths professor: ‘The devil could use AI to destroy the world’ John Lennox emphasises the vital role of rational discourse in exploring existence and morality, warning against the decline of critical thinking in education and the potential threats of unchecked AI development to personal freedoms. He advocates for ethical considerations in technology and a resurgence of open dialogue. |
Puppies abandoned under bush in Abingdon find new homes BBC - June 24, 2026 Seven abandoned shih tzu puppies, initially mistaken for Staffordshire bull terriers, have been rescued and nursed back to health after being found under a bush in Abingdon. Thanks to the timely intervention of Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary and Blue Cross, these adorable pups are now ready for new homes, highlighting the critical importance of rescue efforts. |
Honeytrap pair admit killing two men they had drugged BBC - June 24, 2026 Madalin Dumitru and Adina Mihai have pleaded guilty to manslaughter after drugging and robbing men seeking sexual services, resulting in the deaths of two victims. They admitted to using the poison GBL to incapacitate their targets and are facing substantial prison sentences as authorities continue to investigate potential additional victims. |
UK backs new AI research labs in Oxford and London with £60m boost UKTN - June 23, 2026 The UK government is investing up to £60 million in two new AI research labs, SOFAIR and BOLD, aimed at enhancing accessibility to advanced AI technologies and developing human-centered applications. Led by experts from Oxford and UCL, these initiatives will foster innovative AI research over the next six years. |
Sport
Leather on willow
Howzat! Banbury are now top of Division One in the Home Counties Premier Cricket League - thanks to a little help from county rivals Oxford Downs.
Banbury CC
On Saturday, Banbury blasted their way to a 122-run win away against Harefield CC. The victory saw them propelled to the pinnacle of the premier league. An outstanding – and well deserved – triumph.
Oxford Downs CC
Downs played their part in Banbury hitting the top. A decent 21-run win against former table toppers High Wycombe saw Banbury hit the heights and Oxford Downs slip smoothly into third.
Top of the table - Division One
1 Banbury CC (123 points)
2 High Wycombe CC (118 points)
3 Oxford Downs CC (118 points)
4 Finchampstead CC (116 points)
5 Slough CC (79 points)
It looks like a four-way fight between Banbury, High Wycombe, Oxford Downs and Finchamstead to clinch the title. Both Oxfordshire teams are going well. A credit to the county.
The Sports Desk
Aaron Ramsey: New Oxford United head coach 'ready' for challenge
BBC Sport · June 24, 2026
New Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey, the former Arsenal and Wales midfielder, is eager to instil a strong playing identity and foster fan engagement as he embarks on his first permanent managerial role. While not explicitly aiming for immediate promotion, he believes that building the right foundations will lead to success and inspire pride among supporters.
Property news
One of Britain's greatest mansions is on the market, with 36ft ceilings, 17 bedrooms and gardens landscaped by Capability Brown
Country Life · June 20, 2026
Kirtlington Park House, a stunning Grade I-listed Palladian estate in Oxfordshire, is on the market for the first time in 54 years at £12 million. Set in 29 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland, this historic residence boasts 17 bedrooms, impressive interiors designed by renowned architects and a rich legacy of royal visits, making it an exceptional opportunity for discerning buyers.
Lush! Gavin and Stacey superfans buy Uncle Bryn's house
BBC News · June 22, 2026
Superfans Jaxx Nelson and Tom Bodfish from Banbury bought the iconic house from the BBC sitcom "Gavin and Stacey" for £210,000, delighting in the opportunity to own Uncle Bryn's home. Their purchase comes after a recent re-watch of the series, where they fondly recalled memorable scenes set in the beloved property.
Ground-breaking ceremony to start construction of 80 affordable homes in Oxford
Yahoo News · June 24, 2026
A ground-breaking ceremony for 80 affordable homes in Old Marston took place on June 18, with Oxford City Council representatives highlighting the project’s focus on high-quality, environmentally sustainable design. Developed by OX Place, the homes will offer social rent and shared ownership options to address the urgent housing needs in one of the UK's most expensive cities.
What’s on in and around Oxford?
Armed Forces Day honours military service at Pingle Field
Bicester Advertiser · June 24, 2026
Join the community at Pingle Field on June 27 at 11 am for the Armed Forces Day and Flag Raising Ceremony, a heartfelt celebration honouring military personnel and their families. Enjoy a day filled with military vehicle displays, live entertainment, fairground rides and various stalls – all free and open to everyone!
Stagecoach offers free Oxfordshire bus travel for Armed Forces Day Weekend
Stagecoach is offering free travel on eligible bus routes for serving military personnel, veterans, service families and cadets, highlighting their commitment to supporting those who have served. For more details on eligibility and participating routes, visit Stagecoach's official website.
Radley at Cotswolds Designer Outlet holds closing-down sale
Cotswold Journal · June 24, 2026
Radley London is holding a closing down sale at its Cotswolds Designer Outlet, offering up to 50% off all items, including new season stock. With high demand anticipated, customers are encouraged to shop early as additional stock is being sent to ensure a full range is available until the store's official closing date is announced.
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