Key Takeaways
- France has banned 10 British far-right activists from entering the country due to their attempts to stop migrants from crossing to the UK on small boats.
- The activists are part of the "Raise the Colours" movement, which has been conducting anti-migrant actions on French territory.
- The French authorities have issued territorial bans against the 10 British nationals, but their identities have not been released.
- The "Raise the Colours" movement has been linked to a social media account that posts videos of far-right activists taking action against migrants on France’s northern coastline.
- Migrant arrivals to the UK have hit their highest level since 2022, with 41,472 people arriving in the country via the English Channel in 2025.
Introduction to the Situation
France has taken a significant step in addressing the issue of far-right activism on its territory by banning 10 British nationals from entering the country. The decision comes after reports emerged of members of the "Raise the Colours" movement conducting anti-migrant actions on French soil. The French interior ministry announced that territorial bans had been issued against the 10 British nationals, who have been identified as activists within the movement. The authorities did not release the identities of the individuals subject to the entry ban, citing the need to maintain confidentiality in such matters.
The "Raise the Colours" Movement
The "Raise the Colours" movement has been at the center of controversy in recent months, with its members taking to social media to post videos of their anti-migrant actions. A social media account called "Raise the Colours Operation France" has been posting videos of far-right activists along France’s northern coastline, where they have been attempting to stop migrants from crossing to the UK on small boats. In one video posted in November, an activist filmed himself on a French beach, saying he had found a small inflatable boat buried in the sand and had slashed it. The activist, who has been identified as Ryan Bridge, can be heard saying "That is not going to England" as he destroys the boat.
Confrontations with Migrants
The "Raise the Colours" movement has also been involved in confrontations with migrants attempting to cross the Channel. In another video posted by the movement, an activist can be seen wading into the sea and shouting at a group of migrants boarding an inflatable dinghy on their way to England. The activist can be heard saying "You’re not welcome in our country" as he attempts to intimidate the migrants. These actions have been widely condemned by anti-racism campaigners, who argue that the far-right activists are fueling hatred and intolerance towards migrants.
The Broader Context
The issue of migration has been a contentious one in the UK in recent years, with a bitter debate raging about the country’s immigration policies. The trend of flying English and British flags has been linked to the "Raise the Colours" movement, which has been accused of promoting far-right ideology. Migrants have long sought to cross the Channel from France to the UK in search of a better life, and the numbers have been increasing in recent years. According to government data, migrant arrivals to the UK hit their highest level since 2022, with 41,472 people arriving in the country via the English Channel in 2025. This represents an increase of around 5,000 from the previous year, and is the second highest number on record.
Implications and Reactions
The ban on the 10 British far-right activists is likely to have significant implications for the "Raise the Colours" movement and its activities on French territory. The French authorities have made it clear that they will not tolerate such actions, and the ban is a clear message that they will take firm action against those who seek to promote hatred and intolerance. Anti-racism campaigners have welcomed the move, arguing that it is a step in the right direction towards addressing the issue of far-right extremism. However, the ban is also likely to be seen as a challenge by the "Raise the Colours" movement, which may attempt to find ways to circumvent the ban and continue their activities. As the debate around migration and immigration continues to rage, it is likely that the issue of far-right activism will remain a contentious one, with governments and authorities facing increasing pressure to take firm action against those who seek to promote hatred and intolerance.
