RNLI boss says volunteers facing 'unacceptable' abuse
The RNLI chief executive has condemned the online and physical abuse directed at charity volunteers following anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth. The charity is facing misinformation regarding its lifesaving operations in the English Channel, prompting government intervention to protect staff.
Why it matters
It highlights the growing tension and safety risks faced by humanitarian workers operating in politically charged environments.
Image source, RNLI Image caption, RNLI chief Peter Sparkes said there had been "deliberate misinformation" about the charity
RNLI staff have faced "unacceptable" online and physical abuse since anti-migrant protests at the weekend, the charity's chief executive has said.
On Sunday, police faced off with demonstrators who blocked roads in Portsmouth in an effort to stop 140 people who arrived at the Eastney Landing ferry port area with the RNLI's assistance.
Chief executive Peter Sparkes said the abuse of volunteers was "wholly unacceptable in a civilised society".
He said there had been "deliberate misinformation and a misunderstanding" about the charity, and condemned threats by "those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard".
The protest in Portsmouth followed a separate demonstration the previous day, in which hundreds of masked "stop the boats" protesters brought the Port of Dover to a standstill .
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