Two British far-right activists have been arrested by French authorities in what is believed to be a landmark case, marking the first detentions of UK-based individuals on these specific grounds in France. The arrests occurred following a French government order that prohibited British participants from joining a planned "stop the boats" protest, known as Operation Overlord, in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments.
Details of the Arrests and Charges
The two unnamed men, aged 35 and 53, were taken into custody near the northern town of Calais on Sunday evening. According to police sources cited by Le Monde, they were arrested while broadcasting live videos from the French coast that allegedly contained discriminatory remarks. The content was deemed likely to incite hatred and suggested their potential involvement in Operation Overlord.
François-Xavier Lauch, the public prosecutor of Boulogne-sur-Mer in the Pas-de-Calais prefecture, stated that the individuals were placed in police custody for inciting hatred and participating in a group with the aim of preparing acts of violence. These charges are based on comments made on social media platforms. Cecile Gressier, the Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor, clarified that this represents the first instance of British far-right activists being arrested in France on these particular grounds, noting that they are not accused of direct violence against individuals.
Background on the Protest Ban and Activist Activity
The French order, initially issued on Friday and set to expire at 8am on Monday, has been extended for an additional two days. It specifically targets British participants in Operation Overlord, a protest movement aimed at stopping small boats from crossing the English Channel. UK far-right activists have been increasingly travelling to northern France in recent months, with a declared intention of halting these crossings, which they argue French and UK governments have failed to address effectively.
During these visits, far-right agitators have posted footage online showing themselves slashing dinghies and confronting migrants. In 2025, more than 40,000 people crossed the Channel in small boats, and so far in 2026, 931 individuals have made the journey, highlighting the ongoing nature of this issue.
Administrative Measures and Broader Context
Prosecutor Lauch indicated that French authorities would implement strict administrative measures against the arrested men, including an order to leave French territory due to the threat to public order. This is intended to facilitate their return to their country of origin. It is important to note that these two individuals were not among the 10 far-right activists who have been banned from French territory since mid-January by the interior ministry on charges of "violent actions" against migrants in northern France.
Operation Overlord was originally part of the Raise the Colours movement but has since been taken over by Daniel Thomas, an associate of Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon. The Raise the Colours account on X has publicly stated that it has no association with the operation led by Thomas, distancing itself from the recent events.
This incident underscores the growing tensions and legal challenges surrounding far-right activism in Europe, particularly in relation to migration and border control issues. The arrests reflect French authorities' heightened vigilance and enforcement actions against activities perceived as threatening public order and inciting hatred.
