Public rallies behind RNLI volunteers
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The gist
RNLI chief Peter Sparkes condemned abuse of volunteers after Dover and Portsmouth protests.
The charity is reviewing security as volunteers face threats online and in person.
Background
Anti-migrant demonstrations took place at the weekend in Dover and Portsmouth, with footage on social media showing RNLI volunteers labelled as 'traitors'. RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes said the protests had 'generated deliberate misinformation and a misunderstanding' about the charity's purpose and its lifesaving work in the Channel. He said some volunteers and staff had faced online and, in the worst cases, physical abuse, and warned this could discourage others from taking on public-facing voluntary roles.
How it unfolded
- Sep 5, 2026 -6, 2026Anti-migrant demonstrations were held at the weekend in Dover and Portsmouth, and footage on social media showed RNLI volunteers labelled as 'traitors'.
- Sep 7, 2026BBC News reported on how the anti-migrant boat protests were organised and who is behind them.
- Sep 8, 2026RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes issued a statement saying abuse of volunteers is 'wholly unacceptable in a civilised society' and condemning threats by 'those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard'.
- Sep 9, 2026BBC News reported that an RNLI volunteer was targeted online and branded a 'traitor' after the Portsmouth protests, and that the charity is reviewing its security procedures.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes said the abuse is 'wholly unacceptable in a civilised society', that recent events generated deliberate misinformation about the charity, and that its people 'represent the very best in our society'.
- Caution
- Sparkes said it is 'particularly concerning when those targeted are volunteers', as fears they or their families could be identified, threatened or abused 'could discourage others from taking on these kinds of public-facing voluntary roles'.
Still unverified
The material does not identify who carried out the online and physical abuse, and no arrests or charges are reported. The exact number of volunteers affected is not stated.