Why the far-right is accusing British lifeboat volunteers of treason

Early September can be a challenging period for Britain’s coastguards as beachgoers try to stretch out the last days of the summer season. But this year an unlikely new obstacle stands in the way of lifeboat volunteers working along England’s southern coastline: the far-right. Volunteers from the UK’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a largely donation-funded charity, have faced a torrent of abuse in recent days, as well as allegations of treason, after helping migrants to safety over the weekend amid major anti-immigration protests. Peter Sparkes, the organization’s CEO, said such abuse was “wholly unacceptable in a civilised society,” and vowed to continue helping “whoever needs our help.” The backlash comes as anti-immigrant sentiments bubble to the surface in some parts of the country – despite the number of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats falling to its lowest level since 2020, according to the Home Office.