Ryan Bridge, the leader of the flag campaign group Raise the Colours, attended Reform UK’s annual conference despite being arrested earlier this year on suspicion of causing racially and religiously aggravated harassment. Raise the Colours, which has placed hundreds of union and St George flags across England, claims its actions are a display of patriotism. However, critics argue the group uses flags to promote anti-immigrant views. Bridge’s presence at the conference aligns with Reform UK’s effort to attract centrist voters, though the party has recently shifted rightward due to pressure from its hard-right rival, Restore Britain. At the conference, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage praised Bridge’s campaign, calling it a wake-up call for many in the UK. He told Bridge personally that Reform UK would offer legal support if needed. Bridge mentioned he was facing legal challenges, including an injunction from Oxfordshire and a potential one from Birmingham city council, which is seeking a high court order to stop Raise the Colours from displaying flags. Farage made these comments during a discussion hosted by TV presenter Jeremy Kyle, where Bridge was one of three activists selected to ask questions. Bridge has faced multiple legal issues. He was among 10 activists banned from France this year for actions aimed at stopping migrant boats in the English Channel. He is also named in a legal case brought by Birmingham city council to prevent Raise the Colours from putting up flags. A hearing for that case is scheduled for Tuesday. Bridge has been on bail since his arrest earlier this year in Oxford, where he was charged with racially and religiously aggravated harassment. He denies any wrongdoing and is also facing a trial in East Sussex for a separate charge of common assault. Bridge told the Guardian that he attended the Reform conference in Birmingham, his home city, to discuss Raise the Colours’ activities. He clarified he was not a Reform UK member, though the conference is primarily attended by party members, lobbyists, and media. Attendees are not allowed to buy general admission tickets; commercial passes cost £650, while "platinum" tickets can be thousands of pounds. Critics, including the anti-fascist group Hope Not Hate, expressed shock that Bridge, who faces criminal charges, was allowed to attend. Reform UK did not comment on Bridge’s presence at the event.