French authorities have imposed a sweeping ban on British far-right activists planning to attend a 'stop the boats' protest against asylum seekers in northern France this weekend. The interdepartmental order, issued by the prefects of Nord and Pas-de-Calais, prohibits gatherings of self-proclaimed members of groups such as Raise the Colours and Operation Overlord from Friday evening until Monday morning.
The ban targets activists associated with Operation Overlord, an anti-migrant initiative launched by Raise the Colours. The group, which places England flags and union jacks on lamp-posts, has been linked to actions of intimidation against migrants and humanitarian organisations. Daniel Thomas, an associate of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (known as Tommy Robinson), now leads Operation Overlord after parting ways with Raise the Colours.
In a statement, the prefects said the presence of these activists on the coast of Nord and Pas-de-Calais 'creates a clear risk of public disorder' and is part of a 'xenophobic and anti-immigrant ideology'. The ban covers the districts of Dunkirk, Calais, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Montreuil-sur-Mer and Lille. French security forces will be mobilised to enforce the decree, and British nationals apprehended will be returned to the border.
Lachlan Macrae of Calais Food Collective, an NGO supporting asylum seekers, welcomed the ban, stating it shows these individuals to be 'far-right racist agitators' who threaten violence. He called on the British government to take action against them. The Home Office has been approached for comment.
Operation Overlord, named after the D-day landings, had previously circulated appeals for stab-proof vests, thermal cameras and encrypted radios. So far in 2026, 931 people have crossed the Channel in small boats.
