France has barred 10 British far-right activists from entering or remaining in the country, citing concerns that their actions could incite violence and seriously disrupt public order.
In a statement on Wednesday, France’s Interior Ministry said the individuals were members of a group known as Raise the Colours, which authorities accuse of carrying out provocative activities on French territory.
The group was reportedly involved in a flag-raising campaign and had sought to locate and destroy small boats used by migrants to cross the Channel, while also spreading propaganda along France’s northern coast urging Britons to join efforts to stop migration.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said such conduct would not be tolerated, stressing that “our rule of law is non-negotiable” and that violent or hate-inciting actions have no place in France.
According to the ministry, it became aware of the group’s activities in December and referred the matter to relevant authorities after determining that the actions were likely to cause serious disturbances to public order.
Raise the Colours describes itself as a grassroots movement that began in Birmingham, central England, where supporters initially tied national flags to lampposts as a display of national pride. The group claims the initiative has since spread across the United Kingdom.
However, the growing display of England’s St George’s Cross and the Union Jack has raised concerns among some migrant communities, who view it as a symbol of rising anti-immigration sentiment. These concerns have been heightened by recent protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers.
Immigration, particularly the issue of small-boat crossings from France, has become a major political issue in the UK, fuelling debate and influencing voter sentiment amid broader discussions about border control and migration policy.
Neither the group nor the British authorities immediately responded to requests for comment on the ban.
