Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

RNLI warns staff not to wear uniform after they suffer 'unacceptable abuse'

The charity is reviewing security and telling volunteers to avoid branded clothing after crew members were called traitors online.

  • The RNLI issued security guidance to volunteers on Thursday following "unacceptable abuse" from anti-migrant protesters in Dover and Portsmouth, advising staff to avoid wearing RNLI-branded clothing in some circumstances.
  • After crews helped bring about 120 migrants ashore in Portsmouth on Sunday, volunteers faced harassment online, being labeled "traitors," and protests erupted at the RNLI College in Poole on Wednesday.
  • Chief executive Peter Sparkes called the harassment "wholly unacceptable in a civilised society," while volunteers are "empowered to make decisions to keep yourself, your team or crew safe" and close stations if threatened.
  • The Home Office stated that "directing abuse at people who risk their lives in the service of others is appalling," warning that content shared to intimidate "can cross into criminality."
  • Sussex Police are investigating whether criminal offenses occurred, while RNLI vice-president Sir Robin Knox-Johnston urged the public to "have some sense about this," emphasizing crews operate solely for safety.
Insights by Ground AI

25 Articles

Braintree & Witham TimesBraintree & Witham Times
+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Center

Volunteers told 'do not wear' branded clothes amid rise in abuse

RNLI advises volunteers to avoid branded clothing after abuse by anti-migrant protesters in Dover and Portsmouth, with security increased at…

·Colchester, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 65% of the sources are Center
65% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Daily Mirror broke the news in London, United Kingdom on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal