French authorities have arrested two British far-right activists near Calais, in what officials believe is the first case of its kind involving UK extremists detained in France on suspicion of inciting hatred and preparing violent actions.
The arrests follow an emergency order issued on Friday banning British far-right activists from gathering in the northern French departments of Nord and Pas-de-Calais for a planned “stop the boats” protest known as Operation Overlord. The ban, originally due to expire at 8am on Monday, was extended for a further two days.
In recent months, UK far-right activists have increasingly travelled to northern France claiming they intend to prevent small boats from crossing the English Channel, arguing that both the UK and French governments have failed to stop the crossings. More than 40,000 people made the journey in 2025, with a further 931 arrivals recorded so far in 2026.
During previous trips, some activists have posted videos online showing themselves slashing inflatable dinghies and confronting migrants on the French coast.
François-Xavier Lauch, prefect of Boulogne-sur-Mer in Pas-de-Calais, said the two men were arrested on Sunday evening near Calais while broadcasting live videos that allegedly included discriminatory remarks and suggested possible involvement in Operation Overlord.
Police sources told Le Monde that the men, aged 35 and 53, were streaming content on YouTube that was likely to incite hatred.
Lauch said French authorities would take firm administrative action, including issuing orders requiring the men to leave France. He said this would be done on the grounds that they posed a threat to public order, with a view to their return to their country of origin.
The Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor, Cécile Gressier, said the pair were placed in police custody on suspicion of inciting hatred and participating in a group formed with the aim of preparing acts of violence, based on comments made on social media.
She said the case marked the first time British far-right activists had been arrested in France on these grounds, adding that they were not accused of committing physical violence against individuals.
The two men were not among the 10 far-right activists banned from entering French territory since mid-January by the interior ministry over alleged “violent actions” against migrants in northern France.
Operation Overlord was initially linked to the Raise the Colours movement but is now said to be led by Daniel Thomas, an associate of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson. Raise the Colours said in a post on X on Saturday that it had no involvement in the operation now being run by Thomas.