France Bans Ten British Far-Right Activists Over Anti-Migrant Actions

The French Interior Ministry has announced the banning of ten British far-right activists from the 'Raise the Colours' movement from entering or remaining in France. This decisive action responds to their involvement in violent and disruptive activities targeting migrants attempting to cross the English Channel to the United Kingdom. These activities notably included the destruction of small boats used by migrants, actions deemed likely to cause serious public order disturbances along the northern and Pas-de-Calais coastlines.

The ban was enforced on Tuesday, with the Interior Ministry emphasizing receipt of multiple alerts regarding the presence of these militants. The Ministry also praised regional authorities for their vigilance in maintaining order and preventing further violent or hateful incidents.

In addition, a preliminary investigation has been launched concerning aggravated violence against migrants on the night of September 9-10 in Grand-Fort-Philippe. During this event, four men, displaying UK flags, verbally and physically attacked migrants, asserting these individuals were "not welcome in England" and stealing some of their belongings.

The broader context involves a significant rise in migrant crossings, with 41,472 migrants successfully crossing from France to the UK in 2025—the second highest figure recorded after 2022. To address this ongoing challenge, a bilateral agreement signed earlier in 2025 between France and the United Kingdom facilitates the return of migrants arriving in the UK via small boats back to France, in exchange for the UK accepting a corresponding number of migrants residing in France. This pact aims to curb the increasing channel crossings amid political pressure in the UK from anti-immigration factions.

These measures highlight the French government's commitment to public order and managing migration flows amid rising tensions caused by far-right activism and increasing migrant crossings in the Channel region.