French authorities have ordered a group of British far-right activists to stay away from a weekend protest against asylum seekers crossing into France. The ban, which prohibits individuals with ties to the anti-migrant group "Raise the Colours" and its successor operation "Operation Overlord", aims to prevent clashes between the protesters and migrant groups.
The move comes after reports of British nationals planning to attend the rally in northern France. According to prefects Bertrand Gaume and François-Xavier Lauch, the presence of far-right activists has been linked to incidents of intimidation against migrants and humanitarian organizations. The French government claims that these individuals pose a risk to public safety.
The ban applies specifically to areas around Calais, where Dover is located in England, as well as the districts of Dunkirk, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Montreuil-sur-Mer, and Lille. Under the decree, British nationals affiliated with the groups will be prevented from entering these regions until January 24th.
Daniel Thomas, an associate of far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – also known as Tommy Robinson – is behind Operation Overlord. The organization has been linked to protests involving English flags and Union Jacks attached to lampposts in suburban areas.
Critics argue that such far-right groups promote xenophobia and racism both within the UK and across the Channel. Lachlan Macrae, director of Calais Food Collective, welcomed the decision by French authorities saying these individuals are "far-right racist agitators" seeking to harass displaced people and threaten violence.
The UK Home Office has not commented on the situation so far, but 931 migrants have already crossed the English Channel in small boats this year.
The move comes after reports of British nationals planning to attend the rally in northern France. According to prefects Bertrand Gaume and François-Xavier Lauch, the presence of far-right activists has been linked to incidents of intimidation against migrants and humanitarian organizations. The French government claims that these individuals pose a risk to public safety.
The ban applies specifically to areas around Calais, where Dover is located in England, as well as the districts of Dunkirk, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Montreuil-sur-Mer, and Lille. Under the decree, British nationals affiliated with the groups will be prevented from entering these regions until January 24th.
Daniel Thomas, an associate of far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – also known as Tommy Robinson – is behind Operation Overlord. The organization has been linked to protests involving English flags and Union Jacks attached to lampposts in suburban areas.
Critics argue that such far-right groups promote xenophobia and racism both within the UK and across the Channel. Lachlan Macrae, director of Calais Food Collective, welcomed the decision by French authorities saying these individuals are "far-right racist agitators" seeking to harass displaced people and threaten violence.
The UK Home Office has not commented on the situation so far, but 931 migrants have already crossed the English Channel in small boats this year.