France Bans 10 British Anti-Migrant Activists
France Bans 10 British Anti-Migrant Activists
France imposes territorial bans on 10 British activists linked to Raise the Colours for anti-migrant actions on French soil, amid rising Channel crossings and far-right rhetoric.
France’s interior ministry has announced territorial bans on 10 British nationals identified as activists within the Raise the Colours movement who travelled to France. The action followed reports that members of the group conducted anti-migrant activities on French soil. The interior ministry said territorial bans were issued against the individuals and that the country’s rule of law is non-negotiable, with violent or hate-inciting tactics having no place in the territory. The names of those banned were not released, and officials did not provide details about the actions that triggered the measure.
The move comes as asylum seekers continue to cross the Channel in large numbers, fueling anti-migrant rhetoric on both sides of the border. In 2025, some 41,000 people crossed the Channel, the second-highest annual total since crossings began in 2018. Activist groups linked to the far right, including Raise the Colours and UKIP, have travelled to northern France and livestreamed footage depicting asylum seekers awaiting crossing, actions that authorities say risk public disorder.
Raise the Colours responded by calling the ban “absolutely disgraceful” and said the organisation seeks peaceful, lawful activity. A spokesperson noted that the statements from the interior ministry referred to administrative measures targeting specific individuals, rather than the organisation as a whole, and that the group has always insisted its work remains peaceful and within the law. The organisation does not support violence.
Observers say the bans signal a tougher stance against anti-migrant activism, as governments across Europe face pressure to curb hostile rhetoric. Whether this will deter similar actions or provoke a backlash remains a point of debate, but the French move underscores the high-stakes politics surrounding migration and national sovereignty in the region.
