French Authorities Detain British Far-Right Activists Over Hate Speech Broadcasts
Two British far-right activists have been arrested by French police in what authorities describe as a landmark case. The men, aged 35 and 53, were taken into custody near Calais on Sunday evening after allegedly broadcasting live videos from the French coast that contained discriminatory remarks and incited hatred.
Operation Overlord and Protest Ban
The arrests followed a French government order issued on Friday that prohibited British participants from joining planned "stop the boats" protests, known as Operation Overlord, in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments. Originally set to expire on Monday morning, this ban has now been extended for an additional two days as authorities maintain heightened security measures.
According to François-Xavier Lauch, the public prosecutor of Boulogne-sur-Mer, the two unnamed individuals were arrested for broadcasting content likely to incite hatred on a YouTube channel. Police sources indicated their potential involvement with Operation Overlord, though they were not among the ten far-right activists previously banned from French territory since mid-January for alleged violent actions against migrants.
Increasing Cross-Channel Activism
UK far-right activists have been traveling to northern France with growing frequency in recent months, declaring their intention to prevent small boats from crossing the Channel. They argue that both French and British governments have failed to address this issue effectively. During these visits, agitators have posted footage showing them slashing dinghies and confronting migrants.
The Channel crossing statistics highlight the ongoing challenge: in 2025, more than 40,000 people made the journey in small boats, and so far in 2026, 931 people have undertaken the crossing. This persistent migration has become a focal point for far-right groups seeking to take matters into their own hands.
Legal Grounds and Administrative Measures
Cecile Gressier, the Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor, stated that the men were placed in police custody for inciting hatred and participating in a group aimed at preparing acts of violence, based on comments made on social media. Gressier emphasized that these are the first arrests of British far-right activists in France on these specific grounds, noting that they are not accused of violence against individuals.
Lauch confirmed that French authorities will implement strict administrative measures against the detained activists, including an order to leave French territory due to the threat to public order. This measure is intended to facilitate their return to their country of origin, underscoring France's firm stance against hate speech and unlawful assembly.
Organizational Context and Disassociation
Operation Overlord was initially associated with Raise the Colours but has since been taken over by Daniel Thomas, an associate of Tommy Robinson (whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon). In a statement on Saturday, the Raise the Colours account on X explicitly distanced itself from the operation led by Thomas, indicating internal divisions within far-right movements.
This development marks a significant escalation in France's response to foreign far-right activism, setting a precedent for how authorities handle similar cases in the future. The arrests underscore the broader tensions surrounding migration, free speech, and public order in Europe.
