A leader of a flag advocacy group has been involved in unauthorized actions targeting migrants alongside a supporter of far-right figure Tommy Robinson, who was previously imprisoned for an attempted kidnapping. Ryan Bridge and Daniel Thomas, associated with “Raise the Colours,” openly discuss their disruptive activities against migrant boat crossings online. Thomas, known as a close associate of Robinson, served a two-year jail term for a failed kidnapping attempt.
Recently, Bridge and Thomas shared their actions of damaging a boat’s engine on the French coast in a video. They returned to France last Friday. On the group’s social media account, they claimed to have sabotaged “another migrant boat,” emphasizing their commitment to halting boat crossings.
Pictures posted by the group show Bridge and Thomas posing with flags next to a damaged boat. In a video shared on the group’s Facebook page, they are seen with flags near the boat, set to the tune of “Rule, Britannia.” Their campaign, named “Operation Overlord,” aims to destroy migrant boats, as stated in their posts.
Thomas, using the alias Danny Tommo, has a history of violent behavior. In 2016, he was involved in an attempted kidnapping that led to his imprisonment. Additionally, he has made controversial remarks online, inciting extreme actions after certain incidents, such as the attack on a children’s dance class in Southport.
Bridge, facing legal issues related to an alleged holiday scam, is being pursued in Spain for fraud allegations. Despite “Raise the Colours” claiming to promote unity and patriotism through flag displays, concerns have been raised about the group’s association with prejudice.
In response to inquiries, the group clarified on its website that it does not condone vigilante acts or unauthorized interventions in migrant crossings. They distance themselves from any individual taking the law into their own hands.
Bridge and Thomas have acknowledged their past wrongdoings in separate instances. However, Bridge, in a recent video, made hostile remarks towards a reporter, hinting at his violent tendencies. The group’s website emphasizes lawful and civic engagement while disavowing any support for unlawful actions by individuals associated with them.