Two British far-right activists arrested in France

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Diane TaylorJanuary 26, 2026 at 04:34 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Two British far-right activists were arrested in France for allegedly inciting hatred and planning violence related to a "stop the boats" protest called Operation Overlord. The arrests occurred near Calais on Sunday evening after the men were reportedly broadcasting live videos with discriminatory remarks. French authorities had previously banned British participants from the protest in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments, a ban which has now been extended. The activists, aged 35 and 53, are accused of making comments on social media that incited hatred and suggested involvement in planning violent acts. This marks the first time British far-right activists have been arrested in France on these grounds, though others have been banned for violent actions against migrants.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley Lennon) 40% Raise the Colours ×240% Daniel Thomas 40% Cecile Gressier 50% Calais 50% Boulogne-sur-Mer ×260% Nord 60% François-Xavier Lauch 60% Pas-de-Calais ×270% Operation Overlord ×470% UK ×380% France ×590%

Keywords

far-right activists 100% arrests 90% france 80% operation overlord 70% inciting hatred 70% channel crossing 60% small boats 60% migrants 50% public order 50% social media 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.20

Source Transparency

Source

The Guardian - World News

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

France

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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far-right activists arrests france operation overlord inciting hatred channel crossing small boats migrants public order social media

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