According to videos posted online on December 5, three British men travelled by ferry from England to northern France for what they called an “anti-migrant patrol.” The group was later spotted in several coastal locations. In Dunkirk, they confronted staff members of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), accusing them of helping what they described as an “invasion.”
On a beach in Gravelines, an area where many small boats begin their dangerous attempts to cross the English Channel, the same men shouted insults at people they believed were humanitarian workers. Aid groups say such incidents have become more frequent and increasingly aggressive.
Stella, a representative of L’Auberge des Migrants, told RFI,
“We’re very worried. We keep reporting these incidents to the authorities. We don’t know how far these people will go.”
Charities estimate that British activists have made around 10 similar trips since the summer of 2024.
Reports show that these actions are strongly connected to British far-right networks. Le Monde identified two of the men as Ryan Bridge, co-founder of the nationalist group Raising the Colours, and Danny Thomas, a known associate of far-right figure Tommy Robinson. Both men recently promoted a campaign called “Operation Overlord,” referencing the WWII invasion of France, while asking online supporters for donations to fund more trips.
More videos posted in November appear to show members of their group in northern France holding English flags. Some claimed they had destroyed inflatable boats used by migrants.
While Raising the Colours is a grassroots movement, the British political party UKIP has also publicly supported these activities. In June, UKIP leader Nick Tenconi travelled to northern France, filmed videos, and encouraged others to join him. The party has even launched a “Border Protection Team,” saying its aim is to “defend our islands.”
Aid organisations say they are becoming more cautious because of previous violent incidents.
In early June, about six English-speaking men dressed in black tried to break into a centre in Calais where NGOs hand out food and basic supplies.
On September 9–10, four men carrying English and UK flags attacked migrants sleeping outdoors in Grand-Fort-Philippe near Dunkirk. They also stole the migrants’ belongings, according to Utopia 56, which has filed a police complaint.
Utopia 56 coordinator Viktor Meyer says one of the victims recognised the attackers as the same men later shown in a UKIP-linked video.
French authorities have since launched a preliminary investigation for “aggravated assault”, as concerns continue to grow about the rising presence and behaviour of these British vigilante groups.