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The RNLI is increasing security after a backlash from far-right agitators over the lifeboat charity’s involvement in rescuing asylum seekers in the Channel and bringing them to UK shores.
Volunteers have been told by the charity’s bosses that they should consider not wearing RNLI branded clothing if they feel this might put them at risk. They have also been advised that they should feel empowered to close shops or lifeboat stations if they feel in danger.
There has been a heavy security presence around RNLI bases on the south coast of England over the last few days, with police and private guards monitoring some areas.
At the charity’s headquarters in Poole, barriers have placed around a memorial sculpture to RNLI volunteers who lost their lives and around a rose bed to mark the 200th anniversary of the charity. A viewing platform into the headquarters has been closed off.
The RNLI has said it will continue to rescue asylum seekers in the Channel despite the attacks from far-right activists after its involvement in a rescue on Sunday in which a dinghy carrying asylum seekers was brought into Portsmouth.
But after Sunday’s protest, the RNLI’s chief executive emailed volunteers to say security processes were being reviewed.
Volunteers were asked to challenge people near lifeboat stations if they did not have ID, but advised not to engage with members of the public if they felt uncomfortable.
Staff at the Portsmouth lifeboat station close to where the asylum seekers landed on Sunday have been approached by members of the public and asked to explain the RNLI’s actions.
The RNLI has said workers have been subjected to online and physical abuse and there have been “baseless” rumours circulating that the charity had housed asylum seekers or moved them to secret locations after helping them to shore.
Three police forces have been involved in protecting RNLI volunteers, staff and buildings. Dorset police have been helping keep the headquarters secure while Hampshire officers have patrolled RNLI stations in Portsmouth.
Sussex police were investigating “offensive and threatening commentary towards RNLI volunteers”. Images of some RNLI crew members who were apparently involved in the operation on Sunday were published on social media with the accusation that they were complicit in an “invasion” of the UK.
About 50 protesters, including members of the Poole Patriots and Hampshire Resistance attended a demonstration outside the RNLI’s headquarters in Poole on Wednesday.
Protest leaders handed out rape alarms to women, claiming they were at risk from men brought into the UK by the RNLI, and called for people to stop donating to the charity.
An RNLI spokesperson 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.
“As well as enhancing security at RNLI locations, we issued guidance to our people earlier this week on how to keep themselves safe. This guidance included how to manage potentially challenging interactions with members of the public, and where appropriate, choosing not to wear RNLI-branded clothing.
“Our people have been reminded that their safety comes first, and they are encouraged to report relevant incidents internally and, where appropriate, to the police.”
