Residents have slammed the charity over its role in rescuing migrants who get into difficulty in the English Channel.
The RNLI rescues migrants who get into difficulty in the English Channel (Image: PA)
A request for donations from the RNLI has triggered a backlash as residents fear the cash would be used to fund a “taxi service” for migrants. The Christchurch Residents Association (CRA) in Dorset rejected a £200 donation after its president, John Pendrill, instructed members to do so. Shouts were heard of “tell them to get lost” and “it will be used to save boat people”.
Channel crossings accounted for 1.2% of RNLI rescues in 2024, according to Neil Duncan-Jordan, Labour’s MP for Poole, with the charity saving 1,371 lives at sea. The primary responsibility for reducing those crossing the Channel on small boats lies with the Coastguard. However, the RNLI helps anyone who gets into trouble in the water.
It has previously said that it is proud of the lifesaving work its volunteers do in the English Channel, adding “we make no apology for it”. “Those we rescue are vulnerable people in danger and distress.
Groups protested outside the RNLI’s HQ on Saturday (Image: Getty)
“Each of them is someone’s father, mother, son or daughter – every life is precious.
“This is why we launch.”
Mr Pendrill told CRA members that he, as an RNLI representative, would be invited to a meeting in the future so that they could explain why cash is needed.
But this was met with a negative response, GB News reported.
One woman purportedly replied: “He’ll get booed.”
It comes after activists from groups calling themselves Poole Patriots and Bournemouth Patriots attended a demonstration outside the RNLI’s headquarters on Saturday.
They called on the charity to “stop the taxi service”, referring to accusations that the charity acts as a “taxi” for people attempting to enter the UK illegally by crossing the Channel in small boats.
They argued the governments should not rest on RNLI volunteers to transport asylum seekers in small boats across the English Channel.
The event has been opposed by local activist groups, councillors, and the Green Party, with many counter-protesters gathering outside the RLNI building.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Green Party said the right to protest is “important and protected”; however, it is deeply concerned about the targeting of the RNLI.
