RNLI Boss Hits Out At ‘Wholly Unacceptable’ Abuse By Anti-Migrant Protesters

The chief executive of the RNLI has hit out at the “wholly unacceptable” abuse of the charity’s volunteers by anti-migrant protesters.

Peter Sparkes’ comments came after footage was posted on social media which showed RNLI volunteers being labelled as “traitors” after helping a dinghy carrying asylum seekers to safety in Portsmouth.

Crowds of masked men blocked road access to the Port of Dover on Saturday, followed by official vehicles being damaged and a handful of police officers being injured in a stand-off with protesters overnight on Sunday in Portsmouth.

A request to land an RNLI boat carrying more than 100 migrants at the Port of Southampton and the Port of Portsmouth was refused on Sunday.

In a statement on Tuesday, Sparkes said: “Recent events have generated deliberate misinformation and a misunderstanding about the RNLI – our purpose, our tasking, and particularly our lifesaving work in the Channel.

“Sadly, as a result, some of our volunteers and staff have been the subject of online and, in the worst cases, physical abuse.

“The RNLI’s people represent the very best in our society, they selflessly give up their time to keep others safe.

“Yet they and their families are being threatened by those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard.

“Their action, in contrast, is wholly unacceptable in a civilised society.

“We will take whatever steps we can, to care for and protect our people and their families.”

Sparkes said illegal migration was a “polarising subject”, but urged people to “be mindful of misinformation” and the “impact it has upon others”.

He said: “Be reassured that the RNLI and our crews strive only to prevent people like you and me from drowning at sea.

“Stand by them, not against them and their families.

“I am extremely proud of and grateful for their vital lifesaving work that meant 389 families welcomed their loved one homes safely last year.”

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