RNLI boss says volunteers facing 'unacceptable' abuse
Summary
The RNLI chief has reported that volunteers have faced unacceptable abuse after assisting migrants arriving by boat in Portsmouth. The abuse followed protests against migrant landings, with misinformation spreading about the charity’s role in rescuing people in danger at sea.Key Facts
- RNLI volunteers experienced online and physical abuse after anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth.
- Protesters blocked roads to prevent migrants arriving at Eastney Landing ferry port.
- RNLI CEO Peter Sparkes called the abuse unacceptable and said misinformation about the charity was spread.
- Hundreds of protesters also disrupted the Port of Dover the day before.
- Digital Secretary Lisa Nandy is working with tech companies to remove posts sharing personal information about RNLI staff and volunteers.
- RNLI boats carrying migrants were not allowed to land in Portsmouth harbour and Southampton Port.
- The charity’s main mission is to save lives at sea, with only 1.2% of rescues in 2025 involving migrants crossing the Channel.
- Almost 95% of small migrant boats are intercepted by the UK Border Force before RNLI involvement.
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