RNLI tells volunteers to avoid branded clothing amid fears over anti-migrant protests

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One volunteer removed an RNLI sticker from their own car amid concerns about being targeted by protestors

RNLI volunteers and staff have been advised to avoid wearing the charity’s branding after what it described as “unacceptable abuse” linked to anti-migrant protests last weekend.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution issued the security guidance to staff and volunteers this week, after demonstrations in Dover and Portsmouth targeted the charity over its role in aiding migrants attempting to cross the Channel in small boats.

The advice includes guidance on dealing with challenging encounters and, where appropriate, choosing not to wear RNLI-branded clothing.

Staff have also been reminded that their safety should come first and have been encouraged to report incidents both internally and to police where necessary.

The move follows footage posted on social media showing RNLI volunteers being called “traitors” after helping a small boat carrying 140 illegal migrants to shore in Portsmouth last Sunday.

Protesters have also gathered at RNLI locations, including a small anti-migrant demonstration outside the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset, yesterday.

An RNLI spokesman said: “Given the unacceptable abuse our people have faced, and with protest activity taking place at RNLI locations, we have taken action to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of our volunteers and staff.”

Volunteers are said to have been told they are empowered to make decisions to protect themselves and their colleagues, including leaving work or closing for the day if they feel it necessary.

One volunteer, identified only as Neil, was photographed and described as a traitor on social media.

He told the BBC that his crew had been tasked to Langstone Harbour to illuminate a beach for the safety of protesters in the water.

“It’d be nice for those people who called me a traitor to know that I’m not a traitor,” he said.

Another serving RNLI volunteer, who spoke anonymously, described the situation as “scary and frustrating”.

The volunteer said some crew members were parking away from their station to avoid having their vehicles identified, while elderly volunteers working in an RNLI shop were reluctant to attend because of abuse.

The volunteer also said they had removed an RNLI sticker from their own car, amid concerns about being targeted locally.

“It’s never been this bad and never felt this aggressive,” they said, adding that people’s photographs and addresses were allegedly being circulated online.

RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes has previously condemned the abuse, saying volunteers and their families had been threatened online and, in some cases, physically.

He said the charity’s crews “selflessly give up their time to keep others safe”, and described attacks against them as “wholly unacceptable in a civilised society”.

Vikki Slade, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said the abuse was “really quite shocking" and accused protesters of misunderstanding the RNLI’s role.

The charity is tasked by HM Coastguard to respond to incidents at sea, including emergencies involving small boats.

Dorset Police said it was continuing to work with the RNLI and other partners to ensure appropriate security measures were in place, adding that it would respond to reports of protest or criminal activity accordingly.