French authorities have prohibited ten members of the British anti-illegal immigration group Raise the Colours from entering or remaining in France, citing their involvement in actions targeting migrant boats along the northern French coastline.
The ban was enacted on Tuesday by the French Interior Ministry, which confirmed it applies to individuals within the movement who have taken action on French soil to disrupt illegal immigration to Britain.
In a statement released Wednesday, the ministry said the activists had participated in operations against vessels linked to cross-Channel migration and conducted “propaganda activities” along the coast. The move comes despite the British government’s annual payment of tens of millions of pounds to France to halt such crossings—a measure that has reportedly failed to reduce arrivals.
Cross-Channel migration remains a significant issue for Britain, with over 41,000 people arriving in small boats last year according to official data. While this figure is below the record high of 45,000 crossings seen in 2022, it represents a substantial number by historical standards.
Public concern has been heightened in Britain following recent criminal cases involving migrants who entered the country by boat, including a conviction last week of a migrant for raping a teenage girl within weeks of his arrival.
Critics argue that France is actively facilitating crossings by distributing life jackets and other safety equipment to migrants preparing to launch boats from French beaches rather than detaining or deterring them. Additionally, deportations from Britain to France remain limited, with estimates suggesting only around 0.5 percent of boat migrants have been removed in 2024.
