The incident occurred on September 22, and the video was livestreamed by Thomas to over 15,000 people. In the footage, Thomas is seen sailing up to the boat in a yellow speedboat and using a small knife to slash at the side of the migrant boat, which was empty except for a French official from the coastguard vessel Abeille Liberté. Thomas shouted at the official, saying "Right, you are on English territory. This is England. This is not France any more."
The boat had been carrying around 50 migrants who had launched from a beach in Normandy. They were picked up by two RNLI lifeboats once they had reached the UK search and rescue area and were taken to Dover for processing. Thomas told his followers that he had wanted to make sure the boat was not taken back to France and used again, although there is no evidence to suggest that this has ever happened.
The video was widely criticized, with campaign group Stand Up To Racism describing the footage as "disgusting". Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said they were aware of the video and were conducting inquiries into the matter. The incident has raised concerns about the actions of anti-migrant activists and their impact on those attempting to cross the English Channel.
Daniel Thomas, known to his supporters as Danny Tommo, is an anti-migrant activist who has been involved in several high-profile incidents. His actions have been criticized by many, who argue that they put the lives of migrants at risk. The incident has also raised questions about the role of social media in promoting and enabling such behavior.
The English Channel is a major route for migrants attempting to enter the UK, and there have been several incidents in recent years involving activists and migrants. The UK government has faced criticism for its handling of the issue, with many arguing that it needs to do more to address the root causes of migration and provide support to those attempting to cross the Channel.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the issue of migration and the role of activists in shaping public discourse around the issue.
The incident highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding the issue of migration, and the need for a nuanced and compassionate approach to addressing the issue. It also raises questions about the role of activists and the impact of their actions on those attempting to cross the English Channel.
Key points
- Police are investigating a video showing anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas slashing at an inflatable boat carrying migrants in the English Channel with a knife.
- The incident has sparked a wider debate about the issue of migration and the role of activists in shaping public discourse around the issue.
- The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
