France has officially banned ten British far-right activists from entering its territory following their involvement in operations targeting migrant vessels along the northern coastline. The French Interior Ministry announced the measure on Wednesday, identifying the individuals as members of the group ‘Raise the Colours’.
According to official statements, these activists engaged in systematic searches and destruction of small boats intended for Channel crossings, alongside conducting propaganda activities. The ministry became aware of these operations in December 2025, determining they posed significant risks to public order and security.
The banned individuals participated in efforts specifically designed to appeal to British citizens, encouraging them to join a movement aimed at stopping migratory patterns across the Channel. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez emphasized on social media platform X that France’s commitment to rule of law remains absolute, stating that violent actions or hate incitement have no place within French territory.
Raise the Colours issued a response maintaining that their activities have always been peaceful and lawful, denying support for violence or illegal actions. The group claimed they had not received formal notification of the ban but understood it targeted specific individuals rather than the organization collectively. They describe themselves as a grassroots movement promoting unity and patriotism, primarily known for UK flag-raising campaigns and documenting illegal Channel crossing activities.
Recent Home Office statistics reveal that 41,472 migrants crossed the Channel in 2025, marking a 13% increase from 2024 and the highest number since 2022 when nearly 46,000 made the journey. Small boat crossings have become the predominant method of illegal entry into the UK since 2020, prompting increased bilateral cooperation. In November 2025, after months of diplomatic pressure from British authorities, France agreed to begin intercepting small boats in the Channel.