French authorities have arrested two British far-right activists in what is believed to be the first case of its kind, over allegations they broadcast content likely to incite hatred from the French coast.
The men, aged 35 and 53, were taken into custody near Calais on Sunday evening. They had been recording live video on a YouTube channel containing discriminatory remarks and suggesting involvement in a planned “stop the boats” protest named Operation Overlord, according to French officials.
The Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor said the two were placed in police custody for inciting hatred and participating in a group with the aim of preparing acts of violence, based on comments made on social media. They are not accused of violence against individuals, and are not among the 10 far-right activists banned from French territory since mid-January over “violent actions” against migrants.
French authorities had issued an order on Friday prohibiting British activists from gathering for the protest in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments, with the order extended for two days after its initial expiry. The prefect of Boulogne-sur-Mer said an order to leave French territory would be issued against the two men on public order grounds.
The arrests come as UK far-right activists have travelled increasingly to northern France in recent months, with footage posted of them slashing dinghies and confronting migrants. More than 40,000 people crossed the Channel in small boats in 2025, and 931 have made the journey so far in 2026. Operation Overlord was initially part of Raise the Colours but has since been taken over by Daniel Thomas, an associate of Tommy Robinson; Raise the Colours has disassociated itself from the operation.
