RNLI reports ‘significant’ donations boost after being targeted by far right over small boats
Charity condemns ‘disgraceful’ intimidation and insists it will continue core purpose of saving lives at sea
TL;DR
- The RNLI has received a significant boost in donations after being targeted by far-right agitators protesting their involvement in small boat crossings.
- The charity's staff and volunteers have faced online and physical abuse.
- RNLI vice-president Sir Robin Knox-Johnston condemned the intimidation as 'disgraceful' and stated the charity only goes out when asked by the coastguard.
- The RNLI has seen an increase in donations and new supporters, though some existing supporters have withdrawn their support.
- Increased security measures have been implemented, and volunteers have been advised on safety protocols.
- The RNLI clarified that rescuing asylum seekers in small boats constitutes a small percentage of its overall work.
- Reports of the RNLI housing asylum seekers or moving migrants to secret locations have been denied as 'baseless and untrue'.