A major French theme park company with documented connections to far-right political figures has successfully obtained UK government backing for its ambitious development project in the Midlands, an exclusive Guardian investigation can reveal.
Controversial Founder's Political History
Puy du Fou, the historical theme park operator founded by French politician Philippe de Villiers, has secured significant support from Britain's Department for Business and Trade despite de Villiers' extensive far-right affiliations. The founder has maintained close relationships with prominent figures including Marion Maréchal, niece of Marine Le Pen and a key far-right leader.
De Villiers' political career includes founding the nationalist Movement for France party and establishing the conservative Institute for Social, Economic and Political Science (ISSEP), which has become a training ground for France's far-right elite.
Government Support Amidst Controversy
Despite these controversial connections, Puy du Fou International received formal endorsement from UK business minister Jonathan Reynolds. The company is progressing with plans for a £150 million theme park near the historic market town of Market Harborough, Leicestershire.
The development has been designated a "nationally significant infrastructure project," granting it privileged access to fast-track planning procedures that bypass normal local authority oversight.
Anti-LGBTQ+ Stance and Political Agenda
Concerns extend beyond political affiliations to the company's fundamental values. Puy du Fou's founder has been openly hostile toward LGBTQ+ rights, having campaigned vigorously against same-sex marriage in France. His public statements include describing gay marriage as "the end of the family, the end of children's development, the end of education."
The original Puy du Fou park in France presents historical reenactments that critics argue promote a traditionalist, Catholic-nationalist version of French history, deliberately excluding the nation's diverse modern identity.
Local Opposition and Government Silence
Local campaigners and political figures have expressed alarm at the government's support. Labour MP for Loughborough, Jane Hunt, acknowledged the project's controversial nature but emphasised the promised economic benefits for the region.
When questioned about the appropriateness of supporting a company with such political baggage, the Department for Business and Trade provided only a brief statement confirming the minister's meeting with Puy du Fou representatives, offering no comment on the ethical considerations involved.
Broader Pattern of Far-Right Engagement
This revelation follows another recent controversy involving UK government interactions with far-right European figures. Just last month, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner met with Italian regional president Attilio Fontana, who has faced multiple investigations for hate speech against migrants and Muslims.
These incidents raise serious questions about the UK government's due diligence processes and ethical standards when engaging with international business partners with extremist political connections.
