The RNLI is reviewing its security procedures to ensure the safety of its members after protests in Dover and Portsmouth which saw its members targeted. <\/p>\n
As part of this, volunteers have been told to consider not wearing RNLI branded clothing in some circumstances while representing the charity. <\/p>\n
It comes after the charity helped carry around 120 migrants intercepted off the Isle of Wight, to Eastney, in Langstone Harbour, where roads were blocked by protesters. <\/p>\n
Following this, some crew members had their photos and names shared on social media, in posts accusing them of treason. RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes called the abuse “wholly unacceptable in a civilised society”.<\/p>\n
As a charity, the RNLI relies on donations from the public to fund its work. <\/p>\n
Many lifeboat stations have shops attached to them, not just to raise money, but also to raise the profile of the organisation. <\/p>\n
Volunteers have been told they are “empowered to make decisions to keep yourself, your team or crew safe” and “go home or close for the day if you need to”.<\/p>\n
For it to tell its volunteers they should feel empowered to shut shops or even lifeboat stations if they do not feel safe shows how seriously it is taking potential issues. <\/p>\n
Sussex Police are looking to establish whether any criminal offences have been committed. <\/p>\n
The Home Office said that platforms should enforce their own terms of service over this matter, and “take swift action against discriminatory content”. <\/p>\n
In a statement to the BBC, a Home Office spokesperson said: “Directing abuse at people who risk their lives in the service of others is appalling.” <\/p>\n
They added: “Where content is shared to intimidate, harass or incite violence against someone, that can cross into criminality,” adding the Home Office would work “with platforms and law enforcement to ensure appropriate action is taken”.<\/p>\n
Speaking to BBC Breakfast about the new safety guidance for RNLI volunteers, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “My concern is about people calling them traitors and accusing them of treason, that is quite wrong. <\/p>\n
“It is the government’s job to stop the boats. They should not be attacking volunteers.”<\/p>\n
In a message sent to volunteers, Sparkes said its participation in the rescue on Sunday had been requested by HM Coastguard. <\/p>\n
“This was the first time we have been involved in a Channel crossing incident of this magnitude this far west,” he said. <\/p>\n
Initially crews from Bembridge and Yarmouth stations were involved, later being joined by crews from four more stations after “large numbers of protesters were in and near the water in Portsmouth”. <\/p>\n
During the incident, the RNLI said it also helped to ensure the safety of anti-migrant protesters in the sea off Portsmouth.<\/p>\n