France has issued territorial bans on 10 British far-right activists accused of carrying out anti-migrant actions on French soil, the Interior Ministry said. The move follows reports and social-media videos linking members of the "Raise the Colours" movement to disruptive incidents on France's northern coast. French authorities have opened an inquiry into an alleged aggravated assault near Dunkirk on September 9-10. The group called the bans "absolutely disgraceful," while investigators continue their probe.
France Bans 10 British Far-Right Activists Over Anti-Migrant Actions Near Channel
British anti-immigration activists on the beach in Gravelines in northern France on December 5, 2025 (Sameer Al-DOUMY)(Sameer Al-DOUMY/AFP/AFP)
France has imposed territorial entry bans on 10 British far-right activists after accusing them of taking part in actions on French soil intended to disrupt migrant crossings to England, the French Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.
Interior Ministry Response
The ministry said the measures followed reports that members of the "Raise the Colours" movement carried out anti-migrant activities along France's northern coast. It announced that "territorial bans were issued against 10 British nationals, identified as activists within the movement and having carried out actions on French soil." The names of those banned and precise details of their conduct were not immediately released.
Allegations and Ongoing Inquiry
French authorities have opened an inquiry into an alleged "aggravated assault" on migrants that occurred on the night of September 9-10 near Grand-Fort-Philippe, close to Dunkirk. A charity working with migrants told AFP that four men carrying British and English flags verbally and physically assaulted a group of migrants and told them they were not welcome in England.
Alleged incidents captured on social media: Videos circulated late last year show activists on France's northern beaches. In one November clip, a man who has identified himself as Ryan Bridge filmed a small inflatable boat he said he had slashed, saying, "That is not going to England." In another clip, the same man is seen wading into the sea and shouting at a group boarding a dinghy, calling them "not welcome" and using abusive language.
Responses And Context
"Raise the Colours" denounced the bans on X as "absolutely disgraceful." Anti-racism campaigners say far-right activists are the main organisers behind the movement. The actions and social-media postings have heightened tensions across the Channel as Britain grapples with rising numbers of people making perilous boat crossings from France to the UK.
Last year recorded the second-highest number of undocumented Channel crossings since 2018, a fact authorities say has intensified political pressure and public debate in the United Kingdom. French measures aim to prevent foreign activists from interfering with migrants and to support investigators looking into alleged assaults and other offences.
Note: Investigations are ongoing and the Interior Ministry did not provide further details on potential charges or the identities of those banned.
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